Arts·Q with Tom Power

For Benjamin Von Wong, art is a key player in the survival of our planet

The Canadian artist talks to Q's Tom Power about his latest project, Biodiversity Jenga, and his "clickbait approach" to activist art.

In a Q interview, the Canadian artist discusses his latest project, Biodiversity Jenga

Headshot of Benjamin Von Wong.
Benjamin Von Wong is a Canadian artist, activist and photographer from Montreal who's best known for his environmental art installations. (Ian Chang)

When you read about a global climate summit in the news, you probably don't see a lot about Jenga. But at this year's UN Biodiversity Conference (also known as COP16), the Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong unveiled a provocative large-scale art installation called Biodiversity Jenga, which really got people thinking about climate change.

Some of Wong's past work includes giant skulls made of electronic waste and a massive structure made of drinking straws. His work is accessible, whimsical and in-your-face. Wong talks to Tom Power about his latest installation, his "clickbait approach" to activist art, and why he believes art is a key player in the survival of our planet.

The full interview with Benjamin Von Wong is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with Benjamin Von Wong produced by Vanessa Greco.