Drawdown
Drawdown features the mysterious beauty of circular crop patterns, which most of us only briefly glimpse from airplane windows. Inspired by how landscape aesthetics in sci-fi films are used as social commentary, Drawdown uses satellite images of circular fields to draw attention to how center pivot irrigation systems are depleting fossil groundwater supplies worldwide. The circular fields are abstract images that invite viewers to decode the environmental discourse.
Riccardo La Foresta's composition for Drawdown is haunting, cinematic, and dramatic, characterized by echoes that linger in the listener's consciousness. Dark and evocative, Riccardos' composition brings a sense of gravitas and urgency to Drawdown. In this sonic context, all visual elements transcend their mundane appearance — an ordinary farm machine transforms into a foreboding behemoth, lush irrigated fields transform into a pox on the landscape.
The intention for Drawdown is to emotionally engage viewers, inviting them to decipher the environmental conversation and encouraging awareness of this developing water crisis.
Humans build their societies around consumption of fossil water long buried in the earth, and these societies, being based on temporary resources, face the problem of being temporary themselves.
Charles Bowden
Drawdown aligns with UNESCO's groundwater initiatives by shedding light on the environmental challenges associated with center pivot irrigation systems and their impact on groundwater resources.
Through the captivating combination of satellite imagery and Riccardo La Foresta's haunting musical compositions, the artwork draws attention to the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management.
The artwork prompts viewers to contemplate the consequences of over-extraction from aquifers, aligning with UNESCO's efforts to promote awareness, research, and responsible practices for ensuring the resilience and security of groundwater resources worldwide.
Materials: 4K video
Dimensions: 3840 x 2160
Duration: 2:56 minutes
Sound Composition by Riccardo La Foresta Commissioned by: UNESCO City to City
The exhibition of Drawdown holds exciting possibilities for exhibition. Projecting the 4K video onto a large wall offers a visually striking and expansive presentation, allowing viewers to be enveloped in the intricate details of the satellite imagery.
Additionally, exploring the projection onto a custom sculpture adds a dynamic dimension, transforming the visual narrative into a sculptural form that engages viewers from different angles. Riccardo La Foresta's expertise in sound installations presents an opportunity to further enhance the immersive quality of the piece.
When exhibited in Modena or Austin, careful consideration will be given to the exhibition space, encouraging innovative ways to showcase Drawdown and amplify its impact.
