Nexus Architecture COP26
Date:
2021
Materials:
Cotton, zippers, mixed media customisation
Dimensions:
50 Nexus suits forming a chain of 75 metres
Exhibition history:
2021 Glasgow and London, UK
Courtesy:
Lucy + Jorge Orta. Photography by Lorenza Demata
Nexus Architecture has become a potent metaphor of the philosophy behind Studio Orta’s practice. Through its multiple activations across the globe from South Africa to the Americas and Asia, it recognises the interdependence between people forming a momentary network of being –a collective body– whose connections are rendered visible and visceral in time and space. To impart the aesthetic and symbolic power of collective action in the face of a climate emergency, this new activation of Nexus Architecture took place during the COP26 UN Climate Summit.
Studio Orta produced 50 blank-canvas Nexus Architecture for customisation workshops with artists and designers from Glasgow School of Art and the University of the Arts London. The result created an interconnected chain of solidarity from Glasgow to London in resounding plea from the youth, to curb the effects of climate change.
Nexus Architecture was supported by Art of Change 21 with Schneider Electric Foundation. Thanks to the Reid Gallery Glasgow School of Art and UAL Climate Emergency Network.