Dark Sky Sanctuary :: Gjerdrum (2023)
Dark Sky Sanctuary :: Gjerdrum (2023) is a site specific light and sound installation that reflects upon the phenomenon of artificial light at night and how overexposure to this substance affects plants, animals, people and entire ecosystems. Due to global trends in urbanization, the LED revolution and the subsequent increase in light pollution, two-thirds of Earth`s population live in areas where the Milky Way is no longer visible on a clear night sky.
Inspired by this, a temporary dark sky sanctuary has been established in the forest in Gjerdrum municipality (nearby Gardermoen – the international airport serving Oslo). The installation has been part of Landart 2023, and has been available 24/7 during the festival period in the a popular hiking area around Lysdammen. The work itself consisted of various site specific elements, such as the transformation of a “lysløype” – a floodlit ski trail, commonly found in Nordic countries, as well as an interactive light installation and an accompanying sound installation that the public could experience in the forest. In conjunction with this audio-visual piece, a series of guided tours have been arranged, such as a night walk / performative lecture, in collaboration with ecologist Jeroen van der Kooij.
Inspired by this, a temporary dark sky sanctuary has been established in the forest in Gjerdrum municipality (nearby Gardermoen – the international airport serving Oslo). The installation has been part of Landart 2023, and has been available 24/7 during the festival period in the a popular hiking area around Lysdammen. The work itself consisted of various site specific elements, such as the transformation of a “lysløype” – a floodlit ski trail, commonly found in Nordic countries, as well as an interactive light installation and an accompanying sound installation that the public could experience in the forest. In conjunction with this audio-visual piece, a series of guided tours have been arranged, such as a night walk / performative lecture, in collaboration with ecologist Jeroen van der Kooij.
With contribution by: Jeroen van der Kooij, Ignas Krunglevicius, Cathrin Gram, Annie Forsberg, Amund Oserud Bentzen, Thomas Langerud, Kachun Lay, Henrik Waarum, Inger Gislesen, Liva Mork and
Mari Meen Halsøy.
