at high tide, three synchronized lines of light activate in the outer hebrides off the west coast of scotland. lines (57° 59 ́N, 7° 16 ́W) by finnish artists pekka niittyvirta and timo aho wrap around two structures and along the base of a mountain landscape. everything below these lines of light will one day be underwater.
all images courtesy of pekka niittyvirta and timo aho
low lying archipelagos like this one are especially vulnerable to the catastrophic effects of climate change. in fact, the centre where the installation is situated, taigh chearsabhagh museum & arts centre, cannot even afford to develop on its existing site anymore due to the predicted rise of storm surge sea.
pekka niittyvirta and timo aho use quintessentially basic elements, lines and light, to remind us of two potential futures. a future where these structures are underwater. and, more optimistically, a future where we begin to take climate change seriously and attempt to reverse the symptoms we have inflicted upon the earth.
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@Milo Lang
The climate does change independently, and yes, inevitably. The problem, however, is that we’re actively accelerating the process in a way that makes it impossible for the nature, or even to ourselves and the societies we’ve built, to adapt to the changes. Climate doesn’t change at this fast a pace in solely natural circumstances.
Effective visuals. However, climate change is inevitable. Man didn’t cause it and man can’t alter it. We are just coming out of the last Ice Age.
I think this light installation is amazing art and for raising awareness of everyone’s responsibility for safeguarding our planet. I’m not in agreement with politicising it since it’s the actions of people/consumers damaging the environment. We could blame industrialists. But industry simply produce services or goods for the consumer. Consumer power can take effect tomorrow if people are aware, have a heart for the issue and take action. Yes, politicians andindustry do have a role but it’s like passing the buck if we believe that politicians are the main target for change. IMO
+1 How about in every coastal city and town on the globe ? Start with the biggest ones—especially national and state capitals !
Yes, urgently. Ask these light people to get in touch with the Green Party and Extinction Rebellion here in the UK, and see if they can do this in LONDON. It has no impact on the cretins in Westminster unless the water would be lapping up the windows of the Houses of Parliament. PLEASE.