Summary
A spectacular show directed by renowned artist Gert Hof lights up a glacier in Iceland to galvanize the world to action against global warming.
The Context of Global Warming
For decades, nature has given warnings about rising temperatures through changes to the environment. Retreating glaciers are one of the most visually striking examples of such a signal. Giants that have preserved water, moulded landscapes and been an important part of our environment since the dawn of Man are now in danger of disappearing from the face of the Earth. According to projections, all of Iceland’s glaciers are expected to completely vanish in less than 200 years. Yet, because of how gradual, intangible and invisible these changes are, people are not reacting fast enough to either prevent them or to mitigate the consequences.
Iceland represents a unique relationship with glaciers. They reflect the name of the country and are a fundamental characteristic of the landscape. They are a source of beauty, pride, water and power for the country. Iceland is thus an ideal place to convey the message of departing glaciers and the impact of global warming to the world.
 |
|
The Artist
Gert Hof is recognized as the World’s most accomplished lighting artist. He has lit up famed sites such as the Red Square in Moscow, the historical Acropolis in Greece and organised spectacular mega-events around the World, including the millennium celebrations in Berlin, Peking and Athens (see the artist’s web site).
|
The Show
The show will draw the world’s attention to the glaciers’ imminent disappearance from the world in a unique manner. Originally composed music and the lights will give voice to nature enabling it to communicate a message that is understood by all cultures: The glacier will say good-bye.
The lights will emphasize the glacier’s majesty and the drama of their departure. The combination of beautiful settings, lights, ice and water will make the show visually stunning. A novel musical concept will further enhance the show’s effect. Glaciers are like living creatures, constantly changing and moving. In departing from the world, they give away distinct sounds as they move, crack, melt and change. These sounds are being recorded and synthesized under the direction of artist Bergljót Arnalds in order to apply it as basis for the music. An Icelandic team of acclaimed musicians is in charge of the music production.
The show and its delivery will be designed in an environmentally responsible manner, notably using the abundant sustainable energy sources Iceland offers.
The principal objective of the show is to make a powerful call to action to preserve the Earth as we know it. Placing it in Iceland — where the volcanic eruption under the glacier Eyjafjallajökull disrupted aviation around the world in 2010 — puts the call in the context of how fragile human societies are to minute changes in nature.
The project also aims to channel the negative attention Iceland has received due to economic and natural catastrophes to convey a message of sustainability and responsibility. This will provide much-needed boost to Icelandic morale now greatly tarnished by these catastrophes.
Valetta - Malta - Welcome Europe Malta 07.05.2005 / Music by Roger Waters
Side Events
The show Vox Naturae will be the climax of a multitude of concurrent events in Iceland on the theme of global warming. These events include a high-level conference of policy makers and scientists as well as “Live Glacier” concert with top musicians, notably popular Icelandic bands and performers.
The Uniqueness of the Project
- The critical threat of global warming has neither been highlighted in a project of this scale nor in a way where voice is given to nature itself.
- A whole glacier is transformed into a piece of art in its natural state and in its natural setting.
- Sounds from the glacier form the basis of the music.
- Given the abundance of environmentally friendly energy sources in Iceland, this could be the first project of this scope that is entirely driven by renewable energy.
Target Audiences
The show is mainly designed to reach TV audiences. Gert Hof’s shows draw audiences of thousands and reach millions to billions through TV and other media. Gert Hof considers that the combination of a great idea, fantastic settings and a powerful message will give Vox Naturae a truly universal appeal.
While the project is in its initial stages, it has already reached the attention of influential figures in the media and the arts. The award-winning director Wim Wenders and Þorfinnur Guðnason, the director of Dreamland (Draumalandið), would like to do a documentary about it. The editor of Das Bild, the sixth most circulated journal in the world, has expressed interest in doing a big cover story about the event.
In addition to TV channels and other commercial interests, the show has the potential of being promoted by environmental groups, which will considerably extend its coverage.
Examples of the attention Gert Hof’s show have received:
The Icelandic Team
The production of the show is in the hands of Vox Naturae ehf.
Gert Hof and Asteris Koutoulas with the Icelandic Team on the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier in May 2010
Advisory board
The team is supported by an advisory board composed of senior representatives, Promote Iceland, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association and Icelandair.
"Lights of freedom" – The opening of Trump Tai Mahal hotel in Atlantic City / Music by Bruce Springsteen