“The Dancing Solar Flowers” by artist Alexandre Dang
1 May – 31 October 2010
Organized by:
Solar Solidarity International
www.solarsolidarity.org
an artwork dedicated to better life for mankind
Artist Alexandre Dang has been invited to exhibit his “Dancing Solar Flowers” at the Belgian & European Pavilion of World Expo Shanghai 2010 from 1st of May till 31st of October 2010 (Video available at vimeo.com/12287799). Alexandre Dang’s artistic creations often trigger debate about issues linked with sustainable development, environment and energy. His “Dancing Solar Flowers” have become an iconic work. They toured around the world: USA, China, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Lebanon… Each “Dancing Solar Flower” integrates an engine with a solar cell. The solar cell converts light into electricity that powers the engine, enabling the flower to move.
Artist Alexandre Dang is convinced of the need to raise awareness of the potential of environmental friendly technologies (eco-technologies) and sustainable development. Indeed, the sun provides 10,000 times more energy to the earth than humans need; nevertheless more than 1.7 billion people still do not have access to electricity. The pressing need to address this issue is the driving force of Alexandre Dang’s artistic commitment, where he combines scientific approach, environmental concern and humanism. Influenced by Jean Tinguely, Alexandre Dang often emphasises these topics in kinetic art incorporating solar energy as the power source.
In parallel to the exhibition at the Belgian & European Pavilion of World Expo Shanghai 2010, several other exhibitions featuring the Dancing Solar Flowers have been organized. From 14 April till 9 May 2010, the artist exhibited a huge field of 10.000 “Dancing Solar Forget-Me-Not” at the Royal Greenhouses in Brussels under the High patronage of HRH the Queen Paola (Video available at vimeo.com/13570054). The artist put children at the heart of his concerns, demonstrating that a sustainable world is possible and necessary for the future generations which are today’s children. Furthermore, each Dancing Solar Forget-Me-Not has a single number on its back and can be seen as a Pop’Art work highlighting the influence of artists like Andy Warhol.
Since June 2010, a permanent installation of “Dancing Solar Flowers” at the entrance of the Hospital for Children Queen Fabiola in Brussels offers a warm welcome to the children and their families. This work of art has also been realized in tribute to Keith Haring and in particular to his work at the Hospital Necker for Children in Paris. Last year, Dancing Solar Flowers of Alexandre Dang were dancing for Peace on Martyr Square in Beirut (Lebanon).
For his message to be spread to the international community, Alexandre Dang founded Solar Solidarity International, a non-profit international association which supports solar electrification projects in developing countries. “Energy is very important for development. It enables access to water, quality education, medical care and telecommunications: electricity can build a world of solidarity and Peace.” says the artist.
