In the project Garden of Eden (GoE) we focus on the problem of air pollution. Therefore we exhibit eight pedestals, each of which is covered with an airtight Plexiglas box. Via the internet, the latest air pollution levels in the capitals of the G8-countries are obtained and sent to the control system of the installation.
[ArsElectronicaFestival, Linz, Austria, 2007]
Based on this data, the system reproduces these levels artificially inside these boxes, each of which contains a lettuce that serves an indicator of the quality of the air inside the capsules. The lettuce, exhibited in showcase-like containers, becomes an object, a sculpture that speaks in nature’s own language about its state.
[*.artlabs, Sibiu, Romania, 2007]
GoE is an artwork in the domain of Hybrid Art, which combines the classic and scientific setup of plant chambers with new media technologies (like e.g. internet). Thus, it connects the modern zeitgeist, in which all information is free accessible - and able to be “google”-able - with rather traditional scientific methods.
[Sculptures of the ArsElectronicaFestival 2007]
We chose the G8-capitals, as these are the leading industrial countries, and together produce the biggest part of worldwide emissions. In case that the project is shown in a non-G8-country, we take the G7-countries plus the capital of the exhibition country.
Furthermore, the amount of the pedestals should make the artwork more interesting in the show-case scenario. People should be able to discover and compare to get more engaged and deeper into the subject.
[Video documentation of the Ars Electronica Festival 2008]
