Displuvium

«Displuvium» is an artistic research that examines the human desire to control our natural environment, particularly meteorological phenomena. Since the late 1940s, several entities – governmental and otherwise – have chemically intervened on clouds to influence rainfall.

This controversial practice known as «cloud seeding» can prevent hail from ruining crops, relieve periods of severe drought, intensify showers over strategic areas in the context of military conflicts and even prevent rain from falling on the proverbial parade.

Inspired by Roman Atriums, «Displuvium» takes the form of a pool filled with water and placed directly on the ground. On the water surface, the visitor can observe rainfall. Two screens attached to a nearby wall display a map of historical events related to rainfall episodes; sometimes of natural origin, sometimes tampered by humans. These non-linear sequences of variable length, provide the narrative framework of this installation. When controlled meteorological events are represented, drops are organised into recognisable patterns.

Is the visitor able to perceive the gradual transformation of the rain’s rhythms? When does seemingly natural rainfall reveal itself as a controlled and artificially created downpour?

«Displuvium» aims to demonstrate the link between humans and nature. It illustrates the ease with which it is now possible to reproduce natural phenomena, thanks to technological breakthroughs. However, this installation also reveals the limits of our control over the environment: the failures which dot the sequence remind us that some things are patently beyond our control.

Artists:
Fragmentin (Laura Perrenoud, David Colombini, Marc Dubois)

Designer:
Renaud Defrancesco

Supporters:
City of Renens, City of Lausanne, Canton of Vaud

Website:
fragment.in