Northern Spark 2016
PHASE CHANGE
CONCEPT
Winner of the Art & Interaction category at SXSWeco's Place By Design competition (2016). Phase Change creatively re-presents the effects of climate change through an engaging and dynamic spatial construction of melting ice. The ephemeral installation consists of 12,000 pounds of ice harvested from Lake Bde Maka Ska in March 2016 and stored passively from March through June. This sculptural ice form faces a lattice of infra-red lamps that are programmed to fluctuate based on data derived from climate change research.
CONTEXT
As a piece of public art, Phase Change was created to engage people in a dialogue on looming climate issues. With a design that encouraged encounter and conversation, Phase Change was created in a way to promote dialogue with the community on this issue of global concern.
LOCAL INSPIRATION
First celebrated in response to a New York reporter who deemed the city “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation” in 1885, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, which was created to showcase Minnesota’s winter beauty, has become a regional staple and a time-honored tradition.
THE HARVEST
The ice used in Phase Change was harvested from Lake Calhoun during preparations for the annual Polar Plunge. It was then stored passively in an ice house from March through June.
COLLABORATORS
Phase Change was made possible by the contributions and support of numerous individuals and organizations. We would like to recognize their efforts here.
Saturday June 11 2016 | 9:00PM - 5:26AM | W River Parkway & Portland Ave, MPLS
