Alexander Salvesen: A Defining Moment In Time
Led, barcode painting on wood, 2021
A Defining Moment in Time, 2021
160 x 1220 x 15 cm
LED, painting on birch plywood
A Defining Moment in Time deals with one of the major issues of our time – global warming. However, the work is not a prediction of disaster but a bright 100 000 lumen glimmer of hope. The colour temperature of the work moves from cold to neutral and to blazing hot referencing the change in climate between 1850-2021. With this work Salvesen is inspiring the viewer to see the force in their own actions. What we do matters and what we do now matters even more. Cities are the earth’s garbage fires in which the fast pace of life creates unnecessary pollution. We, the inhabitants, should take a critical look at our way of life.
Artistic text accompanying the work:
This is it. If humanity wants to survive into the next millennium we need to survive the next 100 years first – without crashing. And when we (hopefully) look back at these few years right now, it was what we did, how we changed, that shaped how we solved things. Be here - think ahead. Most of all, we need to learn to let go. This is hard. Still, you need to learn to let go. Because there will be even a lot more letting go in the future if we do not act now. Learn to let go of oil. Learn to let go of other sentient animals as your main source of food. Learn to let go of violating the rights of indigenous peoples, and of exploiting the land, the seas and the air we breathe. This is not about light, this is not about art. This is not even about me or you. This is about sustaining the still existing life on this planet we call home.
Time itself doesn’t solve any problems.
Time does not move.
You do.
And you are here right now. Focus on what you see and the perception of light as it plays and creates new shades on the surface in front of you. Think about the distribution of heat. Think about colour and how it radiates diversity on a black and white surface. The backdrop is a barcode created by capitalist thought for the use of global markets in the name of efficiency and speed. It’s a language for machines.
Now move.”
