(Tower of Babel)
Catwalk Institute Residency, Catskill, NY
Photos: SN
Tower is an interdisciplinary installation work combining sculpture, video, archiving and community participation. The project reflects on climate change and the biblical story of the Tower of Babel – a story of greed and the value of cultural differences. The 2nd iteration of the 4m tall sculpture is constructed of steel cubes and each cube frames plastic waste. The design is made in collaboration with architect Robert Mencarini.
For the video I have interviewed people of diverse backgrounds sharing their personal experiences with climate change. Community participation has been integral in making the video and for understanding people’s commitment in stopping climate change. The interviews are recorded in the interviewee’s native language to emphasize the global impact and responsibility in fighting climate change. The interviews are transcribed in English.
The presentation of environmental contemplation and anxieties is viewed through architecture and video, and I am hoping that through this work the viewers can hear a unified global voice speaking of the concern for environmental changes and calling for action. (performative ideas)
Materials: hardware cloth & wire, plastic, crafting tape, elastic, plywood, outdoor paint, screws, bolts, metal rods
Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 13’3″
Tower installation has been developed with support from The Amsterdam Collective Casa de Cultura, Catwalk Institute Residency and NYU, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Laajasalon opisto, New Dance Alliance and Tohmajärvi Residency. Funding has been made possible by
–Looking for interviewees (approximately 20 min) for sharing a personal experience with climate change. The interview is filmed. People speaking any languages are needed. Contact—
Tower videos: As a NYC resident and having extensively traveled in Greece visiting scores of ancient archeological sites, I have contemplated the tower-form and the varying remains that humans leave behind.
Video 1: A woman assembles herself on the ruins of an ancient tower. Time and erosion have made it fall; nature is taking over. Filmed in Greece, 2019
Sari Nordman 