Hannover, June 22, 2009
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AS Solar supports Hanoverian artist Joy Lehmann’s new project as a sponsor in order to raise awareness towards environmental protection and global warming. From May 5th – September 27th, 2009 artificial islands, symbolizing the five continents, are floating on the Maschteich in Hannover. By contrasting the seeming nature idyll on the islands with 12 global hotspots of climate hazards, symbolized through warning lights, the artist wants to draw attention to the human influence on our planet.
In order to let the viewer experience the full scope of the project even at night AS Solar provides the artist with three solar modules, a battery and electric circuits that illuminate the continents’ shapes in yellow light. The warning lights also draw attention to expected climate catastrophes of the 21st century like draughts and flooding. The warning lights will be covered by the continuing overgrowth in a matter of a few weeks in order to show that Nature will prevail in any case. The project as a whole is not to be seen solely as a warning towards the future but also symbolizes our planet’s healing powers.
The project also has a very real practical use for the Maschteich. Through its maintenance-free construction the islands form a biotope on its own by drawing nutrients from the pond which leads to a reduction of algae growth. The shady and rooted undersides of the continents provide fish with plenty of food and possibilities to hide.