Catalysts of Change: An Art Review Series

Can art function as catalyst—not metaphorically, but materially—for social transformation? Insights of an Eco Artist (IOAEA) launches Catalysts of Change, a review series investigating artists whose practices operate at the intersection of ecological urgency, political intervention, and aesthetic innovation.

The series offers critical analysis: positioning practices within contemporary movements, examining visual and conceptual strategies, and interrogating how creative work reshapes public discourse. This carefully curated series features only 10 artists, each receiving  video interviews paired with published reviews that contextualize their work culturally, historically, and theoretically.

The review process includes a Zoom interview to ensure substantive engagement with each artist's methodology, moving beyond surface description to examine underlying frameworks. Catalysts of Change asks whether contemporary art can do more than reflect our moment—whether it can actively intervene in it.

About IOAEA

IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) is a transdisciplinary platform dedicated to showcasing the work of artists who are addressing pressing ecological and social challenges through their creative practices. Founded in 2021 by Joana Alarcão, IOAEA has evolved from its origins as an archival space into a dynamic communal hub that promotes collaboration and creativity with editorial work, residencies, exhibitions and live talks. Based in Portugal, IOAEA operates as a digital and physical hub for artists, curators, researchers, and activists working at the intersection of art, ecology, and social justice.

Documenting Impact Through Art

IOAEA focuses on the transformative power of art in addressing social, political, and environmental issues. Since our establishment, the organization, magazine, and podcast of the same name have aimed to create a space for creative and political discourse free from the constraints of governmental influence. Through our work, we explore the impact of art interventions on contemporary global atmospheres, highlighting artists, artistic projects, artist-led cooperatives, and activist groups committed to fostering dialogue around pressing global affairs.

Review Process:

1. Private  Interview:  Zoom session with Joana Alarcão (confidential, not published) 

2. Critical Analysis: professionally written review analysing your work within contemporary art discourse

3. Publication: Review published on IOAEA platform and social media with artwork images and biographical context 

Fee Structure:

• Standard review fee: €200

• Emerging artists: €134,99 (under 30 or <3 years professional practice)

What You Receive:

• Professional critical review (800-1200 words)

• Permanent publication on IOAEA digital platform

• Social media promotion

• Video conversation for deeper work understanding

• Global exposure across IOAEA's international network

For comprehensive details regarding our initiatives, examples of featured artists, and our publication style, we encourage you to visit our official website.

More about the curator and founder:

Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, art journalist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal. She is passionately dedicated to merging art with social and environmental justice. Joana earned her Master's in Art and Ecology from the Burren College of Art in Ireland, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Sculpture from the Faculty of Fine Arts. Furthermore, she has completed several independent courses in transdisciplinary curatorial studies and journalism for social change.

With over 4 years of experience as an art writer and cultural journalist, Joana has contributed extensively to art magazines and NGOs, developing a distinctive voice in contemporary art criticism and eco-art discourse. Her writing practice has involved interviewing and profiling more than 400 artists throughout her career, building a comprehensive understanding of diverse creative processes and contemporary art movements. This extensive background in art journalism preceded and informed her founding of IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) in 2021, where she continues to amplify artists' voices and perspectives.

Currently, also serving as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA, she integrates her writing expertise with curatorial and artistic practice, advocating for art's transformative power in addressing cultural and ecological challenges.