Alchemy of Atmospheres, 2023

Janez Grošelj’s Alchemy of Atmospheres (2023) is a multisensory installation that portrays the future potential transformations of the Earth’s atmosphere, echoing current global environmental concerns.

The viewer is immersed in a scene where high-intensity light ‘strikes’ within the grounds of King Abdulaziz Historical Center, recreating the often-overlooked natural phenomenon of lightning. Dynamic interactions between light, sound and form transform the space, creating a palpable sense of otherworldliness. Designed to evoke the severe atmospheric conditions of Venus, a planet that once shared Earth’s benign environment but now exists in a state of extreme climate, the installation heeds a silent yet arresting warning about climate change. The artwork suggests that natural phenomena undergo a metamorphosis in which humans play a significant role in keeping a delicate balance.

By demonstrating the potential specter of climate change, Alchemy of Atmospheres invites the viewer to contemplate our own planet’s potential environmental trajectory.