Prof. Tobias Brosch – Emotions. Art as a catalyst for engagement?

As part of the co-creation of the reconnecting.earth Biennale (03) – Sensitive Resources

Haute École de Musique, Geneva

Organisation: art-werk

Moderator: Bernard Vienat

In this lecture, Prof. Tobias Brosch (University of Geneva), psychologist and head of the Consumer Decision and Sustainable Behaviour Lab, explores the powerful link between emotion, art and sustainable action. Drawing on cognitive neuroscience and environmental behavioural psychology, he shows how our emotional reactions guide our choices when faced with ecological issues. Taking the works of Khalil Berro—notably Toxic Inaction and the BREATHE project—as a starting point, the lecture highlights how certain art installations elicit empathy, anger and hope, and can foster genuine ecological engagement. Recorded as part of the co-creation phase of the reconnecting.earth (03) Biennale, this meeting invites us to rethink the role of art as a lever for raising awareness of current environmental crises.

Topics covered:

  • The role of emotions in decision-making
  • Psychology and neuroscience of sustainable behaviour
  • The emotional power of art installations
  • Examples from the work of Khalil Berro
  • Pathways to greater environmental commitment

Watch the full recording and join us in exploring how art and science can work together to inspire a more sustainable future.