Tag: art installation

Help make the world’s most remote permanent art installation a reality

SOUTH GEORGIA AND IT’S WHALES NEED YOU NOW crowdfunder

Conservation charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) has launched a new crowdfunding campaign: ‘South Georgia and its whales need you now’. It is designed to make the world’s most remote permanent art installationa reality and help fund vital research into global whale conservation and environmental management.

The art installation, Commensalis: The Spirit Tables of South Georgia, is the work of Scottish sculptor Michael Visocchi who won an international competition for his design. It will stand proud at Grytviken, an abandoned yet atmospheric former whaling on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, a small British Overseas Territory that lies over 1,500 km southeast of the Falkland Islands. 

To make this artwork a reality, SGHT is now calling on members of the public to help. ‘South Georgia and its whales need you now’ allows anyone to play their part, by donating whatever amount they can afford via: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/south-georgia-whales/

A humpback whale in the Southern Ocean. Credit Gabriel Sizzi on Unsplash

A humpback whale in the Southern Ocean. Credit Gabriel Sizzi on Unsplash

South Georgia has been described as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ due to its incredible abundance of iconic wildlife.

This small island was also once the epicentre of the southern whaling industry but now is an ecosystem in recovery in large part thanks to herculean conservation efforts by many stakeholders, including SGHT, US-based affiliate charity Friends of South Georgia Island and project partners Albatros Expeditions and engineering firm WSP.

Commensalis will tell the remarkable story of this recovery, particularly focusing on South Georgia’s whales, from commemorating the loss of 175,000 individuals and the near extinction of several species by the 1960s, to their renaissance over the last decade. 

Commensalis will serve as a powerful reminder that despite the catastrophic losses once experienced on South Georgia, ecological restoration is possible, and nature can heal when given the chance. 

As well as helping fund this extraordinary artwork, exclusive rewards, including behind-the-scenes audio content from Michael Visocchi’s recent visits to South Georgia will be available to those who donate, offering a rare insight into this project, the artistic process and challenges of working on such a remote island. 

10% of all donations via this campaign will also contribute to a new whale research fund, and once Commensalis is installed visitors will be encouraged to donate directly to this fund too. 

At the heart of Commensalis are seven immense weathering steel circular tables. The Key Table depicts the numbers of whales that were processed at South Georgia, with the six Spirit Tables each representing a species of whale that were once hunted and whose numbers are now recovering thanks to decades-long conservation and environmental management.

The Spirit Tables are punctuated by c.17,000 stainless steel rivets in mesmerising patterns, with each symbolising a live whale or the spirit of a whale. Light will bounce off each one, illuminating the space and conveying a feeling of hope that is reflected in the growing numbers of whales in the waters around South Georgia.

WSP is generously supporting SGHT and Michael Visocchi by overseeing the complex task of transporting the artwork to the remote island and installing it.

The installation will be designed to withstand South Georgia’s extreme climate, ensuring that it remains in place for generations to come.

Artist Michael Visocchi was selected from over 150 international artists to take on this project in late 2020. Since then, Michael has worked closely with SGHT and WSP to finalise plans for the installation which has included two awe-inspiring visits to South Georgia to see the island for himself, and to engage with and understand the landscape, climatic conditions, and wider surroundings.

Michael Visocchi said: “South Georgia is a truly magnificent and magical place. Seeing its landscape and abundant wildlife was truly breath taking and feeling the island’s atmosphere was an experience like no other I’ve ever had.

“I feel hugely privileged to be the one creating Commensalis, which will undoubtably be both the most challenging yet most rewarding artwork of my career. I hope visitors respond to my vision and take with them a deeper understanding of this important story of global conservation”.

Alison Neil, CEO of the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “Michael’s art installation will enrich the on-island experience of all who visit and will seamlessly tell the extraordinary story of South Georgia’s dark past to becoming a global beacon of hope as an ecosystem in recovery. 

“Commensalis will enable visitors to dive more deeply into the island’s whaling heritage, which despite being a catastrophe for the island’s wildlife does form part of South Georgia’s history. We hope that with the help of the public Commensalis will soon be ready for the world to see.” 

Humpback whales, southern elephant seals, vast colonies of king penguins and an array of seabirds all call South Georgia home, and have been showcased on major natural history documentaries including Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Planet Earth. The island is also known for being the burial place of world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

SGHT has been working to conserve South Georgia’s natural and cultural heritage since 2005, which includes running the South Georgia Museum on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI). 

The small charity has delivered many successful on-island projects including the world’s largest rodent eradication project, which successfully removed invasive rodents which had almost pushed native birds to extinction.

South Georgia was declared ‘rodent free’ in 2018, thanks to the decade-long Habitat Restoration Project. SGHT now continues to work with the GSGSSI to ensure strict biosecurity procedures are enforced so that South Georgia’s10-15,000 annual visitors don’t inadvertently undo this amazing feat. 

To support Commensalis and global whale conservation, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/south-georgia-whales/ and to find out more about South Georgia, visit www.sght.org  

Be a part of the creation of the world’s most remote art installation

Fundraising campaign launched for landmark artwork that will inspire the world with South Georgia’s remarkable recovery and fund vital whale research

An international fundraising campaign has begun, giving people across the globe an opportunity to sponsor part of the world’s most remote permanent art installation which will raise awareness of the whale’s story on South Georgia, and fund vital research into future threats such as climate change.

The campaign, run by conservation charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), follows their international competition seeking an artist to create an installation telling the incredible story of South Georgia’s remarkable environmental recovery. Now, people worldwide are invited to sponsor a key component of the artwork in a bid to spread this message of hope.

In November 2020 Scottish artist Michael Visocchi was announced winner of SGHT’s competition with Commensalis: The Spirit Tables of South Georgia. The artwork commemorates the loss, but also celebrates the recovery, of whales in the Southern Ocean.

From the early 1900s to the 1960s South Georgia was the epicentre of the whaling industry but more recently has become a beacon of hope as an ecosystem in recovery.

Michael Visocchi’s sculpture changes the narrative on South Georgia from whaling to whales – creating a focal point for everyone who cares about nature and supporting vital research to protect the future of whales in the Southern Ocean. 

At the heart of his artwork are the Spirit Tables representing the different whale species that were hunted and processed at Grytviken, an abandoned whaling station on the island, but which are now recovering thanks to a change in humanity’s attitude to nature and the decades-long, research-led conservation activities and environmental management of this precious ecosystem.

The tables are punctuated by an estimated 17,000 stainless steel rivets in various mesmerizing patterns inspired by the natural histories of each species, with each rivet symbolising a live whale or the spirit of a live whale.

The artist’s design will allow light to bounce off each one, illuminating the space and conveying a feeling of hope that is reflected in the growing numbers of whales in the waters around South Georgia.

The fundraising campaign will give people the opportunity to sponsor these gleaming rivets to light a beacon of hope for whales, conservation and ecological restoration everywhere. 

Different levels of support are available to allow as many people as possible to support what’s been dubbed the world’s most remote permanent art installation: 

  • £33 to sponsor a small rivet because the returning humpback whales’ beautiful and complex songs last up to 33 minutes – we’re so thankful to hear these melodies again in the bays of South Georgia.
  • £90 for a medium rivet because the fin whale has an average lifespan of 90 years – to see these long living giants returning to the island after being the most persecuted species during the whaling era is incredibly inspiring.
  • £199 to support a large rivet because the world’s largest whale, the blue whale, can weigh up to a staggering 199 tons – that’s equivalent to 398 Grand Pianos!     

To sponsor a rivet or to find out more, visit: www.sght.org/commensalis-donor-appeal/

Sponsors will be allocated their very own rivet(s) in the artwork and sent a digital certificate confirming their support of Commensalis. The rivet(s) will be an integral part of the artwork, giving people a rare opportunity to leave a legacy and have a permanent presence on South Georgia.

Alison Neil, CEO of the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: ‘Tragically, from 1905 to 1965 whales were hunted to near extinction at South Georgia. Thankfully, they are now slowly returning to the island’s waters thanks to ongoing conservation efforts.

“We want to tell this remarkable story of recovery to inspire people around the world that there’s always opportunity for environmental turnaround. South Georgia is the evidence that we have the power to change other under-pressure ecosystems.

“Art is a really powerful way of conveying a complex message and getting people interested and involved in conservation.  By launching this campaign we hope to get people excited about Michael’s beautiful artwork and also the power of collective action to bring about change in our environment. We think sponsoring a rivet on the Spirit Tables embodies what this project is all about.’

Artist Michael Visocchi, who was selected from over 150 artists to take on this project, has just arrived at South Georgia to visit the site at Grytviken where the whaling station was and where his artwork will be.

He is with childhood schoolfriend Stewart Garden from WSP, an engineering firm which is generously supporting SGHT with the complex task of transporting and installing the artwork to ensure it is resilient to South Georgia’s extreme climate and remains in place for generations to come.

Michael Visocchi said: ‘I’m so very thrilled to be back on South Georgia. The sights and colours and sounds have never really left my mind since my first visit. It’s good to be back.

“The majesty of the landscape and wildlife here continues to catch me off guard and it’s all helping me put the final touches to the concept for Commensalis. And to be here with my old best friend is something I never could have imagined.’

Commensalis will encourage the environmental management of South Georgia by raising funds for whale research. 10% of every rivet sponsorship will directly fund research, helping to anticipate and manage threats to South Georgia’s whales like rising sea temperatures and the impact on the marine ecosystem.

By deepening knowledge and informing environmental management at South Georgia, SGHT will set whales on their road to recovery.

SGHT aims to work with all who wish to preserve the island’s natural and historical heritage for future generations – to redress past damage to its environment, to protect its wildlife now and in the future, and to preserve the human heritage of the island which so clearly shows the best and worst of humanity.

It also runs the South Georgia Museum on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands.

The island is famed for its iconic wildlife, including humpback whales, southern elephant seals, vast colonies of king penguins and an array of seabirds, and for its links with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who is buried on the island.

Each year about 10-15,000 people visit South Georgia to admire the island’s stunning scenery and burgeoning wildlife, and to learn about its fascinating heritage. Commensalis will be a new addition for visitors when it is installed.

To find out more about South Georgia and the work of the South Georgia Heritage Trust, visit https://sght.org, and to find out more about the South Georgia Museum, visit https://sgmuseum.gs

SCRAN FIR BEES!

North Edinburgh Arts is working with local artist Natalie Taylor on a butterfly and bee friendly art project in Muirhouse and West Pilton.

Not only does this landscape art intervention offer nectar rich flowers for our struggling pollinators, but also it delivers a serious message in Scottish slang whilst adding a splash of colour to a busy roadside verge

SCRAN FIR BEES is a huge community artwork written large near the Red Bridge on Ferry Road, passed by hundreds of cars and buses every day, and highly visible from the cycle path bridge which passes over it nearby.

See Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam at The Botanic Gardens

Presented as part of this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival, Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam is a touring art work displayed at the Royal Botanic Garden, marking its first visit to Scotland.

The installation is a temporary memorial for the public to visit and remember all those we have lost from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Memoriam is also made in tribute to all the NHS health and care workers who have been risking their lives during the crisis. Referencing those people who have been in hospital and care homes during this crisis, the flags are created from NHS bed sheets and arranged in the form of a medical logo.

Luke Jerram is a world-renowned artist whose multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Luke is now known globally for his innovative large-scale public artworks, including the famous Museum of Moon, experienced by more than 10 million people worldwide. 

Luke Jerram said: “It’s amazing to be part of the Edinburgh Science Festival and to present my artwork In Memoriam in Scotland for the first time, in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

“I hope it will allow the space and time for reflection to those who need it.”

Amanda Tyndall, Festival Director said: “We have long been committed to the merging of science and the arts to provide the public with meaningful interactions with the science so central to all our lives.

“Luke’s work is a wonderful example of the power this can have and is a moving and fitting tribute to those we have lost and to the exceptional people that have helped us through such challenging times.”

Focusing on climate crisis, global pandemic of Covid-19 and celebrating women in STEM, the 33rd Edinburgh Science Festival is currently underway with a theme of One World: Science Connects Us.

Featuring over 220 in-person exhibitions, installations and a wide range of walks, tours and trails, the Festival is a perfect opportunity for people to safely get a live science experience this summer.

Its ambitious digital programme of talks, workshops and downloadable resources for people of all ages means that this year’s Festival truly connects sci-curious people around the globe.

Alongside Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam, some of the other outdoor and in-person exhibitions and walks on offer include Pale Blue Dot at the National Museum of Scotland, delving deep into all things marine, celebrating some of UK’s greatest engineering innovations – This is Engineering…As You’ve Never Seen It Before on The Mound, Women in STEM Street Art Trail, highlighting the achievements of 9 remarkable scientists through large-scale graffiti portraits displayed around Edinburgh or Oscillation in Light and Sound, an interactive exploration of light and sound using giant crystals scattered around St Andrew Square.

To browse the full programme of in-person events, walks and exhibitions in and around Edinburgh, visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk.

ESTATE: last chance to see art installation in Muirhouse

Jimmy Cauty’s ESTATE ‘Municipal Disaster Zone Tour’ has stopped off in Muirhouse and there’s still time to experience this thought-provoking art installation before it moves on to Easterhouse.

ESTATE is a dystopian model village featuring four abandoned concrete tower blocks at 1:24 scale (approx 2 metres high) housed in a 40-foot shipping container in the goods yard off Muirhouse Avenue (beside North Edinburgh Arts).

The tower blocks – Icini Heights, HMP Camp Delta-Zulu, Roman Point and Watch Tower 4 – each serve a different function in the ESTATE and each building contains chilling scenes in miniature of mass social, economic and environmental devastation.

Visitors experience a mini-walking tour like no other. A dark, menacing environment is pierced by spotlights, floodlights and strobes against an aural backdrop of helicopters, alarms, sirens and even the dulcet tones of former Home Secretary Amber Rudd help to set the scene (and chill the blood).

There’s smoke, too, to add to a distinctly unsettling atmosphere; shrouding the brutalist tower blocks and giving them an even greater brooding presence. But for all all the darkness there is also light, and peering through the shattered windows of the blocks tiny scenes are picked out in beautiful detail.

There is so much to see through those blasted windows: a plastic duck here, a faded portrait of Queen Victoria there … but everywhere – destruction and desolation.

Cheerful it’s not, but ESTATES is a powerful experience which haunts you long after you leave the dark confines of the shipping container. As I stepped back into the Muirhouse sunlight I thought: “I must go back.”

You can still catch ESTATE at Muirhouse this afternoon and Saturday morning.

thortful launch new initiative to collect thank you messages to NHS

Send your personal thanks to the NHS and your message could end up on a touring art installation.

The hardworking staff of the NHS care for us all – and we want to show them that we care too. 

Online greetings card company thortful are collecting messages of thanks on their new noticeboard, and your words could be featured in the ‘This is Gratitude’ art installation, touring across the UK to say thank you to the NHS.

Noticeboard of messages  

Undeniably, the pandemic has given us a fresh perspective on the importance of our NHS and its staff. With that in mind, thortful have created a noticeboard of messages that everyone can contribute to.

After raising more than £100,000 for  NHS Charities Together, thortful wanted to continue to thank the NHS. The new noticeboard is a collection of thank you messages from the public. Anyone can leave a message and they can give thanks to friends and family who work within the NHS or medical staff as a whole.

A selection of these messages will then be chosen and incorporated into the “This is Gratitude” art installation which will tour around the country starting in August.

Give a personalised thank you

Collectively as a nation, we have had opportunities to thank the NHS in various ways. But thortful want their noticeboard to be a space where individual people can give a personalised thank you.

Here are some of the messages the noticeboard has already received:

  • “We are so lucky to have the NHS, my best friend works for them and she is so brave/helpful – like every other employee. Thank you so much – you sacrifice so much for us!”
  • “My mother is part of the ‘most vulnerable’ group and by association as is my father. They have been taken care of so incredibly well with no fuss and always with a smile. I couldn’t thank those in the NHS enough for their tireless and often unseen fight over the past year.”
  • “Dear NHS, thank you for working tirelessly on the frontline of the COVID19 pandemic. We were all scared and yet, with face-mask bruises, late nights, hot and sweaty uniforms and distancing yourself from vulnerable loved ones, you’ve managed to pull us through. I love the NHS!”

To view the noticeboard, go to: https://www.thortful.com/NHS-thank-you-noticeboard