‘Pollution Pods’ Art Installation Simulates Smog Cocktails Found In Five Global Cities

This year marks the 46^thAnniversary of Earth Day and what better way to educate the public on issues facing our planet is London’s Somerset House art installation showcasing “Pollution Pods” created by famous British artist Michael Pinsky. Each unique pod simulates different levels of air pollution found in five different locations: London, New Delhi, Sao Paolo, Beijing and Trondheim, Norway – allowing the public to experience the air quality of these five cities all under one roof.

Testing whether art as a medium can change people’s views about air pollution, the domes were designed by using air-filter technology from Airlabs– an air quality tech firm based out of London. According to their website, “92% of the world’s population is exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution, it’s our mission to reduce people’s exposure to air pollution by creating clean air zones in cities.”

Every Breath You Take

 As for the architecture behind the “Pollution Pods,” Pinsky meticulously recreated the air quality, smell, and temperature of each one. By replacing harmful chemicals found in actual polluted environments (such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxide) with non-toxic ingredients, Pinsky and researchers were able to re-create polluted cities without any risk of putting the viewers in danger. This immersive and visceral experience allows visitors to experience air quality from the cleanest regions of Norway to the stinging haze of India’s New Delhi.

 

Pinsky’s original commission was from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) for Climart. The installation is the pinnacle of Climart, “a four-year scientific project that aims to uncover whether visual art can change people’s perceptions around climate change.”

The Genius Behind The Pods

Michael Pinsky is an artist, activist, urban planner, researcher and resident artist whose international projects have created innovative works in galleries and public spaces all over the world. Working with local communities and resources, Pinsky allows the physical, social and political environment to define his working methodology. In this latest installation on Somerset House’s courtyard, “Pinsky considers how the excessive consumerism of the West has far-reaching consequences on the environment of the East.” The exhibit in London runs from April 18-25, 2018.