Genius Loci: Spirits of the Emscher Valley

For the third edition of the Emscherkunst Triennial (June 4 - September 18, 2016), Lucy + Jorge Orta received a major new commission: Genius Loci: Spirits of the Emscher Valley. The Triennial sculpture trail spans a 50-Km along the river Emscher, criss-crossing natural parklands and post-industrial landscapes, dialoguing with the changing environment in the Ruhr area of Germany.

Lucy + Jorge Orta created three sculptures from the body of work Genius Loci, for three locations, to reveal meaningful interpretations regarding the history of the former coal and steel industries. Genius Loci work as metaphors for the locations and aim to capture the "soul of the place" through a participative approach, which is at the heart of the artists' practice. The research methodology involved mapping, action research and story-telling through interviews Lucy Orta conducted with local residents. The fabrication process incorporated 3D character scanning and computer-generated modelling, and the technique of aluminium casting was employed to assure the durability and legacy for the communities involved.

Installed on the shore of the Phoenix lake at Dortmund-Hörde, Totem with Magpie evokes a new generation who will grow up within this industrial metamorphosis while Bird woman is symbolically linking the East and West side of Phoenix formerly joined by a viaduct. At Kokerei Hansa in Dortmund-Huckarde, a coke plant which closed in the '9Os, the Observer, like an oracle, testifies to the transformation of the landscape: Nature is invading and taking possession of the relics of past.

• https://www.studio-orta.com/en/artworks/...
• http://www.studio-orta.com/en/artwork/59...
• https://www.studio-orta.com/en/artwork/5...
• https://www.studio-orta.com/en/artwork/5...
• http://www.emscherkunst.de/en/