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Solastalgia explores the emotional impact of environmental change on local communities, particularly those in the South Houston area. This exhibition brought together a collective of talented local artists: Heather L Johnson, Cathie Kayser, Cindee Klement, Renata Lucia, and Ellen H Ray.

Coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht, Solastalgia refers to the distress caused by environmental changes experienced in one’s home environment. This unique exhibition addresses critical environmental issues such as the Brio Superfund site near San Jacinto’s South Campus, Houston’s flooding patterns, and the ecological effects of the petrochemical industry, inviting viewers to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the environment.

Solastalgia showcases a range of mediums, including traditional printmaking, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and experimental installations. Through these diverse works, the artists engage viewers with narratives of environmental trauma and resilience, creating an immersive experience that transcends visual art and delves into social and ecological themes.

In addition to the visual art, Solastalgia is part of a broader interdisciplinary collaboration with local writers, educators, and community leaders. The exhibition is also in collaboration with The Pits, a theater performance from local artist Sarah Welch, that captures the cultural and environmental history of the South Houston community. Together, these events provide a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between art, science, and advocacy in Houston’s South Belt area.

Beneath the routine of modern life is a wildness imprinted upon our cellular memory. It is a collective memory of our home in time and space that we long to return to. Derived from nostalgia, Solastalgia is a form of homesickness one gets while never actually leaving home.