Antarctica

In the spring of 2007, Lucy + Jorge Orta went on an expedition to Antarctica as part of an artistic project on this frozen continent. It was both a real and a symbolic journey to the edge of the world, living in an extreme environment under the severest survival conditions. The Antarctica exhibition in the Hangar Bicocca, curated by Bartolomeo Pietromarchi, represents the first complete and organic public showing of the artworks created by the artists as a result of their unique experience in Antarctica. The exhibition is also an occasion for presenting other major works created by Lucy + Jorge Orta over the last five years, addressing social, environmental and humanitarian issues: mobility, population migration, climate and environmental crises, and human rights. On exhibition are the emblematic dome architectures that composed the Antarctic Village actually installed in Antarctica as well as 'Drop Parachutes', 'Survival Kits' and the video projection of their expedition. Antarctic Village – No Borders is a symbol for those who will do anything cross borders in their search for refuge from the social and political conflicts in their home country. Off limits to military activity and protected as an ecosystem, the Antarctic contains 70% of the planet’s fresh water reserves. Antarctic Village thus becomes the emblem of a future in which true globalisation will mean a more equitable redistribution of resources and the right to exist for the people of the world.