BUGS Day of the Dead
Light Installation
When darkness becomes a rare guest, biodiversity is challenged. Over the past 100 years, the amount of artificial light has multiplied. Our houses, cars, parks, streetlights and light commercials all contribute to an eternal lightning of the globe. “BUGS – The Day of the Dead” focuses on the effects of electric light and light pollution for biodiversity and many insects. Two thirds of the planet’s animals are – unlike humans – nocturnal, and light pollution is an underestimated factor in the massive loss of biodiversity and species that is happening right now. Exhibitied during Copenhagen Light festival 2022.
THE TEAM
Artist and concept developer: Åsa Frankenberg
Design and construction: Josephine Bourghardt and Eva Wendelboe
Project management, Circadian Cooperation: Malene Saxkilde
Producer: Miljøpunkt Østerbro and Miljøpunkt Amager, Sara Jörn and Nina Maria Klok
Supported by Områdefornyelsen Sundby
Urbanplanen / Partnerskabet
BUGS – THE DAY OF THE DEAD consists of 8 insect lanterns, constructed of recycled parachutes and sails. The lanterns are attached to the existing lighting in the Remise Park and thus do not use extra power or add new light to the site. Instead, the work draws attention to how darkness is a prerequisite for our experience of light. At the same time, the work celebrates the life and diversity of insects with inspiration from the Mexican festival The Day of the Dead, which celebrates the dead – in this case the dead insects.
The city’s children have helped to draw wild insects for the work, which can be experienced in Remiseparken on Amager during the light festival.
During the light festival, Miljøpunkt Østerbro and Miljøpunkt Amager will arrange an open insect workshop for children in Remiseparken.
