Island Journal

Folio: Lines (57° 59′ N, 7°16′ W)

Pekka Niittyvirta and Timo Aho

Lines (57° 59′ N, 7°16′ W)

Interactive site specific light installation at Outer Hebrides, Scotland

By the use of sensors, this installation interacts with the rising tidal changes activating three synchronized light lines by the high tide. The work helps us to imagine the future sea level rise in an undefined period of time, depending on our actions to address the warming climate.

The installation explores the catastrophic impact of our relationship with nature and its long-term effects. The work provokes a dialogue on how the rising sea levels will affect coastal areas, its inhabitants, and land usage in the future. This is specifically relevant in the low lying island archipelagos like Uist in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, and in particular to Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre in Lochmaddy where the installation is situated. The center cannot develop on its existing site due to predicted storm surge sea levels.