A science art project using balloon mapping to aerially photograph Nottingham's green spaces with young citizens.
The View From Above is a merging of environmental science, community activism and art, presented in a mixed-media, interactive exhibition by multidisciplinary environmental biologist and Near Now Studio member Mo Langmuir.
Green spaces are important for our wellbeing, fitness, air quality, local biodiversity, drainage and mitigating the urban heat island effect. In cities, where more people and pollution are compounding less nature, the role of green spaces are vital.
Aerial photograph of Green's Mill and Science Centre, Nottingham, by Mo Langmuir
This project worked with young people (aged 9-25) to aerially photograph the city centre and its green spaces using a giant helium balloon, acting as a DIY satellite or drone. The work directly contributed to scientific research at Public Lab, whilst also posing an opportunity to highlight the lack of public green space in Nottingham city centre and celebrate the existing spaces that are green and great. The photos are works of art in their own right, as are the maps that have been created by stitching these together. These maps will be used as plans for a greener Nottingham, through collaboration with the NGFP (Nottingham Good Food Partnership), and will be used to add young voices to the city council’s conversation on how a citizen will experience Nottingham in 2050.
Balloon mapping with young people at King Edward Park, Nottingham
Greta Thunberg and her following are currently leading the climate change debate, demonstrating that young people around the world are passionate about changing the fate of their future. There is increasing attention towards the desperate state of our planet and as we continue to urbanise it is essential to make cities sustainable ecosystems. Nottingham’s St Anns allotments form the biggest acreage of civic gardens of any city in the world. Let’s build on that legacy and make Nottingham even greener, for people and planet.
About the artist
Mo Langmuir is a multi-disciplinary environmental biologist working at the intersection of environmental issues and social impact. She has a creative and collaborative approach to environmental engagement and all her work helps to bridge the silos of science and art.
Broadway Gallery Open Call
The View From Above takes place as part of Near Now's series of open call opportunities, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
In 2020, we are offering exhibition opportunities open to artists, working in any art form, who are enabled or inspired by technology. We invite expressions of interest from creative practitioners based in and around Nottingham.
