ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the application of the theory of the Hydrocene to eco-aesthetics as curatorial theory occurs. This happens by defining eco-aesthetics and examining it through the unique lens of water. From this state, the chapter then introduces the Hydrocene as curatorial theory and proposes the neologism of the Hydrocene as a curatorial act of care - one that establishes an alternative, conceptual framework to the current epoch, most commonly known as the Anthropocene. Following this, the chapter introduces water as unique to the curatorial theory of the Hydrocene, and briefly shares the radical potential in learning from water within eco-aesthetics. This chapter includes a brief introduction of ‘hydro-artistic methods’ which, when viewed together through the curatorial theory of the Hydrocene, propose changes to current anthropocentric environmentally destructive ways of relating to water. The chapter ends with a short introduction to the coming five chapters that make up the book, and how we can learn from these eco-visionary artists who think with and even collaborate with water.
