“Breathe” art installation in Geneva invites you to slow down
Published: Thursday, May 16th 2024, 22:50
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The art installation "Breathe" was opened in Geneva on Thursday. This light and sound sphere with a diameter of 15 meters invites the population to slow down and breathe slowly and in harmony as soon as night falls.
From Thursday evening until May 26, visitors can do this on the Plaine de Plainpalais, the central open space in Geneva. Five breaths per minute, i.e. six seconds in and six seconds out: this is the rhythm set by "Breathe". The sphere varies its brightness to achieve a state of relaxation and deep connection.
The new installation was designed by Dan Acher, an "artivist", as he calls himself, who is well known in Geneva. Among other things, he is also the initiator of the self-service pianos.
It took Acher more than two years to realize this project, which also inspired the mayor of Geneva, Alfonso Gomez (Greens). "It is a work of art and a vector of well-being," Gomez said on Thursday. "We live in a complex and unstable world in which everything is moving faster and faster and in which more and more is demanded," added Gomez. The artwork therefore encourages us to slow down in the face of this hectic pace.
Sphere as a pulsating heart
The sphere is the pulsating heart of "Breathe", but its relaxing rhythm is intended to spread throughout the city. The Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Musée Rath, the World Health Organization (WHO) building and the Palais des Nations will be illuminated in harmony with the dome on Plainpalais Square. The Jet d'eau, Geneva's large water fountain, will also be illuminated accordingly, but only on Saturday evenings. These installations will be in operation until midnight.
The sphere is made of special polyester. The inflatable structure emits warm white light with yellow-orange variations. "When it is disassembled, it fits on two pallets," explains Acher. He is in contact with several cities, including London, Seoul, Hong Kong and Cognac in France, to set up "Breathe" elsewhere after its world premiere in Geneva. Only two sockets are needed to connect the dome.
©Keystone/SDA
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