Smoke and Mirrors

About This Project

Summary

'Smoke and Mirrors' uses art to communicate six decades of NOAA climate data, specifically rising methane levels, set alongside the verbatim advertising slogans deployed by the Big Oil industry to “Deny, Doubt and Delay” the climate data and awareness through the decades. This evocative visualization, based on NASA’s Blue Marble image, is set to “Oh My Heart”, which was released as the world’s first bioplastic record by Beatie Wolfe, Michael Stipe and Brian Eno’s EarthPercent.

Goals & Objectives

Smoke and Mirrors is about making cold data relatable, the unseen visible and the impenetrable accessible by visualizing complex information hidden from view - in this case, atmospheric methane levels alongside a deeply rooted and concurrent disinformation campaign by Big Oil - all in 4mins30.

Results & Impact

Unveiled at SXSW in a featured session with the festival’s President before being exhibited as an official art piece. Prix Ars Electronica, the world's largest media arts award, gave the project its top award, a "Golden Nica". Further highlights inc: NBC Climate Week and The Getty Museum's PST ART.