Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho, Finnish
Lines (57° 59′ N, 7° 16’W), 2019
Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho’s art installation illustrates the grim consequences of climate change and melting glaciers. Located in Scotland’s Uist archipelago, it uses led light fixtures on buildings and other structures to project future sea levels during high tide. The art asks the viewer to confront the stark contrast between present and future water levels. The installation serves as a reminder of the rapidly approaching tide and the urgency of our environmental action. The installation itself must be removed due to the constant threat of storm surges and rising waters, reflecting its meaning and importance even in its removal. Label by Annabelle Marcais
The installation Lines (57° 59′ N, 7° 16’W) by Timo Aho and Pekka Niittyvirta presents a light installation that vividly illustrates the impending threat of mass flooding. This installation projects a line onto the horizon, indicating the future water levels expected by the end of the century. Regardless of whether we believe in climate change or not, this artwork serves as a stark reminder that our homes, land, and everything in our lives could be submerged by rising waters. I believe this piece serves as a compelling call to action for viewers, whether they experience it in person or through a photograph, as it underscores the inescapable reality of the impending floods. Label by Jackson Smith
This art installation was completed by Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho to illustrate the threat of climate change and coastal flooding. This piece was installed on a low-lying island archipelago in Finland. The lights activate at high tide and show the predicted rise in high tide levels at this location by the end of the century. This work bisects the home and the landscape and gets right up in your face to emphasize the imminent and personal threat of rising sea levels. The home in the middle ground, a place most associated with safety from the elements, will be half underwater by the end of this century. Additionally, this photo was taken from an “underwater” perspective on the landscape, which emphasizes the line of destruction that is slowly creeping in. This mood is complimented by the overcast skies and eerie calm of the background. Label by Sam Dutilly
The sea in Outer Hebrides, Scotland, appears calm, growing plant life in still waters. Dark coloration of rocks along the shoreline mark the current highest tides. This light installation provides a striking visual representation of how high the waterline could get. Located at the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre, these lights activate at high tide, demonstrating rising storm surge sea levels. The artist's imagination of future consequences is presented here in a tangible form. Viewers can quickly understand that if allowed to raise to this extent, the low-lying island archipelago will face extensive losses of land and culture. Label by Lucas Theobald