Giant air-filled sculpture to fly at Bath’s Forest of Imagination

Bath, UK

Summary

Bath’s annual, pop-up contemporary arts event Forest of Imagination is to feature a giant airborne sculpture designed by the Argentinian artist Tomas Saraceno, one of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists.

Bath’s annual, pop-up contemporary arts event Forest of Imagination is to feature a giant airborne sculpture designed by the Argentinian artist Tomas Saraceno, one of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists.

Saraceno has confirmed that the event, which takes place from 30 June – 2 July, will be loaned an Aerocene Explorer by the charity he co-founded, the Aerocene Foundation. This eye-catching, airborne artwork comprises a giant, 3D triangle-shaped pocket of fabric that can travel through the air without the need for fuel.

Visitors to Forest of Imagination will have the chance to see The Aerocene Explorer in flight every day at this year’s event, subject to weather conditions. The 2017 event is based in the ancient meadowland of Bushey Norwood, part of The National Trust’s Skyline Walk and close to The Edge arts building at the University of Bath.

The Aerocene Foundation aims to re-imagine how humans might work in harmony with the earth’s natural energy currents. Aerocene Explorers are able to remain buoyant due to the combined forces of the sun’s heat and infrared radiation from the earth’s surface. No other energy sources are required. Explorers have been flown at numerous locations around the world, including the Antarctic, to gather atmospheric data, take aerial photos and videos using non-intrusive methods.

The Aerocene Explorer is one of several inspiring and participatory works to be shown at 2017’s Forest of Imagination. Other works include a soundscape entitled ‘I am an Insect’ by Martyn Ware of Illustrious; a ‘Ring of Giant Acorns’ sculpture by Grant Associates and Herman Miller; and a Virtual Reality experience called ‘The Giant Tiny Ant Quest’ by artist Anthony Head with Bristol Zoo.

This is the fourth year that Forest of Imagination will be staged in Bath, and follows its most successful event to date, in 2016, after attracting an estimated 10,000+ visitors to its fantastical forests, outdoor galleries and creative workshops in and around Bath Abbey.

Andrew Grant, Director at Grant Associates and co-founder of Forest of Imagination, comments:

“Saraceno is a visionary artist, who is passionate about moving towards a sustainable future where we work with the natural forces that surround us. It’s thrilling for Forest to host a project of Aerocene’s scale and ambition. Together, The Aerocene Explorer and the Forest’s other exciting exhibits will offer an immersive experience that invites creative enquiry about our relationship with nature.”