What ethical concerns arise from sourcing marble for figurative sculptures?

Sourcing marble for figurative sculptures raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding environmental impact and labor exploitation. Marble extraction often involves large-scale mining operations that can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. These activities not only harm ecosystems but also contribute to climate change. Additionally, the labor conditions in many marble quarries are often poor, with workers facing low wages, unsafe environments, and a lack of basic rights. These ethical issues challenge the art world to reconsider the true cost of creating figurative sculptures and to seek more sustainable and humane alternatives.