by Lucy Kent
Peter Fend, activist-artist and self-proclaimed architect, founded the Ocean Earth Construction and Development Corporation.
He wants to persuade Gen Z to reject the status quo and corporate lifestyles to make a change, but it has proven to have its challenges.
According to Peter, as humanity grapples with escalating environmental and social crises, the call for bold, actionable solutions has never been louder.
TULCA Festival of Visual Arts
GalwayPulse attended Galway’s TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, titled The Salvage Agency, curated by artist Michele Horrigan. We spoke to Peter Fend, who has an ambitious vision of rebuilding devastated communities and causing ripples in the art world.
As the West of Ireland’s leading annual art festival, TULCA brought together the city’s art institutions and cultural initiatives creating a vibrant tapestry of creativity that resonated with audiences both locally and internationally.
This year’s festival presented an impressive array of Irish and international artistic perspectives, addressing critical themes relevant to life today. Through diverse exhibitions and thought-provoking installations, TULCA successfully highlighted the power of art to spark dialogue and deepen our understanding of the contemporary world.
Move from Words to Action
Speaking passionately at the gallery, Peter urged attendees to shift from mere discussion to decisive action, championing sustainable development and ecological balance. His appearance was more than an artistic statement, it was a wake-up call to rethink the systems that shape our world.
In the Printworks Gallery, Peter spoke about his many extravagant ideas and aims that he hopes to not just talk or write about, but achieve.
It echoed throughout his address to the crowd, he has had enough of people writing in scientific journals and talking about change, he needs people to take action.
Peter offers not only critiques but actionable ideas on achieving a sustainable and resilient future. He also fears that the younger generation is settling for the way things are.
“The environment doesn’t need more dams or destruction. It needs living water, clean fuel, and healthy ecosystems,” he said, emphasising how his approach focuses on systemic change and innovative solutions.
One of Peter’s most ambitious projects involves rebuilding a city in Libya which suffered a catastrophic loss in 2023, when two dams collapsed and thousands of homes and communities were effectively destroyed.
“You can’t just reconstruct what was destroyed. You need a new vision, sustainable railroads, and infrastructure that integrates with the environment, not against it”
Aside from the reconstruction and reimagining of waterways, the core of his philosophy is a rejection of fossil fuels and nuclear power.
When asked for his opinion regarding the modern environmental issues at hand, Peter proposes an eco-tax to hold individuals and industries accountable.
“Tax based on what you use, fuel, time, mileage but also on how alive the land is. Dead land, dead buildings? Maximum tax. If you make your land an ecological paradise, you get tax breaks,” he said.
This idea ties in with his message of effectively aligning economic incentives with ecological health.
Overcoming Challenges
His controversial work has not been without challenges, he has experienced resistance.
He described confrontations with powerful governments and corporations, illustrating the high stakes of environmental advocacy.
“We have the power to see what’s happening, but they don’t want people to have that power. They want to keep it.”
Some of his most harrowing experiences are truly shocking.
Arrests, three trials, including one in a US federal court, a restriction on discussing anything that allegedly occurred with his company in Germany or several Middle Eastern nations, and the car-bombing of a known colleague are all part of Ocean Earth’s past. Yet he is not deterred.
Peter’s vision is clear, humanity must prioritise living ecosystems, rivers that flow freely, cities designed in harmony with nature, and economies that reward sustainability.
Career Path
Peter was born in Columbus, Ohio, and led an unconventional career journey. He earned a degree in English and History from Carleton College in Minnesota, and then went on to work in jobs here and there, but soon realised that his life was destined for a more diverse path.
He spoke about his daughter rejecting his unstable lifestyle and occupation. According to Peter, she chose a routine corporate job for financial security and stability, which he interprets as confirmation of the validity of his worries about the future being in jeopardy.
“The younger generation wants security, but true security comes from action, not complacency. We can’t afford the current tragedy to continue.”
The Salvage Agency Festival, which was held from 1-17 November, proved to be a success, showcasing the best of visuals arts across Galway.
Peter Fend’s participation left a memorable mark, blending art, activism, and architectural ambition into a fascinating prototype for change. From reconstructing disaster-stricken cities to proposing eco-taxes that reward sustainability, his ideas challenge conventional thinking.
Peter, aged 74, has fought for his beliefs and pushed the boundaries for all of his life. His resilience, despite personal and professional risks, inspires action over complacency, a message especially directed at younger generations.
“You have to be brave. Say it. Do it. Do it.”
To read more on TULCA Festival of Visual Arts click here.