EPHEMERA

The EPHEMERA are time capsules mechanically sealed to be completely airtight, exploring the thematic dimension of the imaginary time and physical travel inherent in the captured air.

Enclosed within durable 34cm x 13.5cm stainless steel containers, the air within has borne witness to epochs when dinosaurs roamed the landscapes, the pyramids were built, and the first world war unfolded. Yet, in its current state, the air is captured and preserved “forever,” disrupting the cyclical nature of its earthly journey. Not only breaking the conventional cycle of atmospheric experiences, but also encapsulating history and life within a singular, timeless capsule.

A specific location of origin is laser-engraved onto the cap of the time capsules. Interesting is what the human brain does with this information and how it creates the reality and history with the captured molecules. Suddenly, air, this ephemeral and transparent medium, becomes something of value, or perhaps something tangible at all.

One could argue that the container is empty, but by binding the molecules to a place, we create a connection and physical presence. And this understanding of interconnectedness is particularly crucial now, given the global climate crisis. Knowing that the air we are currently breathing has been released by trees in the Amazon rainforest for example just two weeks ago, moves the focus from the human to the worldly. We are a vast, interconnected system.

This work is also part of the collaborative research project with the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science, featuring calculations by Dr. Hanna Joos and Dr. Michael Sprenger from the Group for Atmospheric Dynamics at ETH Zurich.