Making Waves: WATERLICHT & The Year of Water
In response to increasing concern and growing public outrage our changing climate and environmental destruction, Columbia University has responded with The Year of Water. A year-long exploration and celebration of water as the planet’s most precious resource, The Year of Water includes public programming through art, lectures, and concerts in hopes to shed light on the multifaceted implications of climate change, and how it affects us all.
Daan Roosegaarde, WATERLICHT
WATERLICHT, a light installation by acclaimed Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde, was on view this past week at Columbia’s campus as one of the many events brought to the public under the project. Translated as "water light," this immersive display illuminates the strength and rhythmic motions of water, while raising awareness about critically rising global sea levels.
Daan Roosegaarde, WATERLICHT
Appearing in several cities around the world since its conception in 2016, WATERLICHT’s effect is the same regardless of the setting or locale.
“WATERLICHT is about showing the power and poetry of living with water, which is more relevant than ever in New York City. It is an honor to work with Columbia University to exhibit WATERLICHT, and connect with a new generation that plays a central role in changing the climate”—Daan Roosegaarde stated.
Daan Roosegaarde, WATERLICHT
Mimicking the movement of the ocean, the blue lights cut through a dark sky, creating a murky fog. Encasing the audience, the rolling waves are simultaneously peaceful and ominous as the exhibition suggests where water levels could reach without immediate world action. A creative display of the sheer force of nature, Roosegaarde uses his interactive art as a vessel to discuss the alarming realities of the climate change crisis. Juxtaposing the natural beauty of rolling waves, Roosegaarde shows that we must defend and protect natural resources and the planet's beauty if humanity wishes to continue enjoying them.
Daan Roosegaarde, WATERLICHT
Focused on the rising sea levels and exploitation of the planet, the installation holds somber and frightening implications despite the impressive technical and aesthetic elements. Alarming and pointing to a very real threat, WATERLICHT is a powerful platform to show support for, protest against, and spread awareness of political and global policies. Asking its audiences to change the way they look at the world, where they are in life, and what their responsibilities are, WATERLICHT implores participation and advocacy for environmental protection and sustainability.
