Meet Abhi; The Charcoal Artist raising Climate Change Awareness

Abhijeet Shrivastava
3 min readJan 20, 2023
**Abhijeet Shrivastava (Abhi) was born in Jabalpur, central India. From an early age, Abhijeet demonstrated an innate passion for expressing his thoughts and observations through textures of charcoal on paper. Charcoal is one of the most ancient art, natural and environmentally friendly art material. Cave drawings were made using charcoal all over the world. However, this original mode of drawing is getting lost and replaced with higher carbon emission chemical colors. Abhi’s work is an attempt
Abhijeet Shrivastava exhibiting his charcoal artwork at New York Art Expo 2021

Abhijeet Shrivastava (Abhi) is an urban designer and artist who has gained recognition for his amazing charcoal drawings. He is known for his unique focus on climate change and sustainability, which is reflected in his artworks. The medium he uses to convey this message is charcoal, which is a sustainable choice of material. In this article, we will take a closer look at the artist and his work.

Abhi’s artworks are not only visually striking but also thought-provoking. His charcoal drawings depict the impact of climate change on the environment and human lives. He uses the medium of charcoal in a way that it creates a sense of urgency and despair in the viewer. The use of black and white contrasts in his drawings, creates a sense of a world that is slowly slipping away into darkness.

Abhi’s choice of charcoal as a medium is not only an artistic choice but also a statement on sustainability. Charcoal is made from wood that has been burned at high temperatures with limited oxygen. This process not only removes the impurities from the wood but also makes it a more sustainable option than traditional art materials such as oil paints. Charcoal is also a readily available material, making it accessible to artists of all backgrounds. Charcoal is a natural, long-lasting and environmentally friendly art material that was once used to create cave drawings around the globe. Unfortunately, this original method of drawing is being lost as it is replaced by harmful chemical substances that emit higher levels of carbon. Abhi’s work is a determined effort to preserve this form of historic art and advance sustainable arts.

In addition to his artworks, Abhi is also an advocate for sustainable living. He often participates in events and workshops where he shares his knowledge and experience on how to live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. He encourages people to take small steps towards sustainability, such as using public transport, reducing plastic consumption, and supporting local businesses.

Abhi is a self-taught artist whose work has been described as a harmonious balance between environmental performance and visual calm. His artwork has been widely published and exhibited in galleries all over the world. Currently, Abhi is working in New York City as a Climate Change and Sustainability Consultant. He earned his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from GSAPP, Columbia University in the City of New York. While Abhi is proficient in using computer-aided design tools for his creative work, he still cherishes the tactile experience of hand drawings.

In conclusion, Abhijeet Shrivastava is an artist whose work not only inspires but also motivates people to take action against climate change. His use of charcoal as a medium is not only a sustainable choice but also adds to the impact of his artworks. We hope that his work will inspire others to make changes in their own lives and contribute to a more sustainable future. Check out his website for latest artwork.

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