Abstract

During recent decades there is a growing tendency of a convergence between science and technology, arts and culture. Sculpture especially left its traditional field and combines with other areas of contemporary life. WSM 2 is a project about of impact of science within wider cultural contexts. WSM explores environmentalism and climate change and artistic strategies. Here I combine research and a provocative sense of what I call post-irony. Researchers in the field of natural sciences have, in rare occasions, discovered the value of “non linear thinking” in the arts. My target is to continue this project as an equal research of both art and science in the same field not just as a visualization of an idea. The idea originates from my fascination for the aesthetics of scientific apparatuses, and my conviction that what constitutes art is invention and creation – in whichever field. This project is also about the relation between belief in images and aesthetics. My project reacts to the media machine around global warming and contemporary politics of the image. It is a sculptural installation and an awareness-producing device. It involves not only critique but also a vision. Nevertheless, it is a machine that can in reality transform atmospheric carbon dioxide and produce O2 and C6H12O6.WSM 2 CO2 Absorber was commissioned by Philadelphia Sculptors Society for the exhibition Global Warming at the Icebox. Following an invitation for the project, curated by art critic Leslie Kaufman, president of the organization and co-director of the Icebox, I participated in this event. The internationally highly regarded Crane Arts Centre, Philadelphia, was host of the show. The project was discussed and peer reviewed in several publications. The sculpture was presented afterwards in various different international exhibitions.