Tomas Saraceno’s ‘Thermodynamic Constellation’ in the Strozzi Courtyard

Until July 19: TOMAS SARACENO. THERMODYNAMIC CONSTELLATION. Palazzo Strozzi courtyard. Open daily 10 am – 8 pm, on Thursday 10 am – 11 pm.  Free admission.

Florence is hosting an installation project, “Thermodynamic Constellation” by Tomás Saraceno, an influential artist, architect and biology scholar celebrated for bringing together science and art. Saraceno’s installation of the “Thermodynamic Constellation” is a part of Florence’s more expansive efforts towards raising public awareness towards environmental issues.

The materiality of Tomás Saraceno’s “Thermodynamic Constellation” consists of transparent mirror sheets and is an experiment airborne by solar energy only. The installation is an accurate representation of prototypes for aerosol balloons equipped to sustain an airborne flight over 20km-40km.

Metaphorically, the solar powered balloons are a representation of the relationship between modern humanity and the environment. The implied ability for the balloons to remain airborne over long distances with solar powered energy reflects the destruction of international borders and the reduction of fossil fuel usages.

The purpose of the installation is to pose a physical and cognitive platform for viewers to rethink how humanity can coexist in harmony with each other and with the environment. Saraceno’s installation is significant towards synergizing the relationship between art and science as well as reflecting issues of sustainability and climate change by turning Palazzo Strozzi, a Renaissance location where a human is in the center of the earth, into a reworked representation of modernity and coexistence with other beings and nature.

Following the installation, there will also be a series of events such as Strozzi Night, a special evening dedicated to young people, Constellation Sound, concerts in collaboration with Tempo Reale, and conferences with schools and the general public promoted by Professor Marco Bindi, University of Florence and the CNR with national issues related to climate change and sustainability. (bianca zavala)