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Air Pressure is a massive, multi-location art project on display at Oxford properties across Toronto during Earth Week 2012.
Map of Installation Locations:
OUT OF THIN AIR: CREATING AIR PRESSURE
Tasked with creating a massive, multi-location installation that addresses the importance of keeping our air clean, Studio F Minus had to tackle a considerable artistic challenge: How can an artwork express air itself?
The subject of Air Pressure is vital to the vast majority of life on the
earth’s surface, yet it is ubiquitous, invisible, and formless.
Rather than create illustrations, data visualizations, or charts describing the impact of air quality on life on earth, Studio F Minus created a unique series of whimsical bird-like sculptures that actually use air in a very literal way, as a life-force to animate the artwork. This relationship between the sculpture and air parallels our own dependence on clean air, and highlights the importance of ecologically responsible initiatives to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Each bird is made of a cotton fabric given shape by inflating it with air, via a small fan attached to the top of the sculpture. As these fans cycle on and off, the wings inflate and deflate slightly, mimicking the motion of a bird in flight. Each sculpture flaps its wings independently, creating a naturalistic effect produced entirely through airflow.
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN PRACTICE
Keeping with the aim of reducing environmental impact, Studio F Minus created Air Pressure through a number of sustainable practices.
• Each sculpture is fabricated from natural cotton, a rapidly
renewable resource.
• Each bird is illuminated by energy-efficient, low-power LED lights.
An entire flock of birds can be lit using less energy than would be consumed in an everyday incandescent desk lamp.
• All hanging structures are made with re-usable materials that will
find a second life after the close of this exhibition.
OXFORD’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
In 2011, Oxford Properties placed in the top 10 globally in the 2011 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, a ranking of the positive environmental impact of over 200 private funds. This proud distinction was earned by meeting target benchmarks across Oxford’s numerous sustainability initiatives. Notable among these initiatives was Oxford’s Target 2012 greenhouse gas reduction commitment, which was achieved ahead of schedule. Through this initiative, Oxford’s national portfolio achieved greenhouse gas emission reductions of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010.
To celebrate Earth Week 2012, Oxford commissioned Studio F Minus to create a multi-location artwork that illuminates the importance of these environmental practices through an imaginative, engaging experience for the public that visually soars.
ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNER: FLAP
Oxford is proud to partner with FLAP. FLAP’s dedication to education has helped place the bird/building collision issue on the wildlife conservation map. You can help make a difference by turning off your indoor lights and drawing blinds.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Mitchell F Chan is a new media and installation artist whose works have exhibited in galleries across North America. His upcoming Toronto exhibition, opening on June 7th at Angell Gallery, uses clouds of water vapour as a medium for communication.
Brad Hindson is an architect and lighting designer who has notched extensive experience working with Canada’s top architecture and lighting design firms. He currently works with architecture firm Diamond + Schmitt.
