Unknown Destination
An Imaginary Journey to the Uncertain Future of Glaciers
An Imaginary Journey to the Uncertain Future of Glaciers
Over the past 150 years there has been a temperature increase of more than 1°C. This phenomenon constitutes a climatic disequilibrium that brings with it a series of gradual and dystopian consequences, one of which has been (and probably will be in the future) the retreat of glaciers all over the planet, thus a reduction in their length with associated landscape and environmental transformations. According to some studies from 1960 to 2022 the reduction of Italian glaciers is even equal to an area of about 200 km2.
The photos, taken during the summer of 2022, unequivocally testify to the current precarious condition of some suffering alpine glaciers.
Thanks to Web 3 and blockchain technology, these images will be certified to ensure their authenticity; moreover, being part of a “changing landscape,” these frames will be unique.
Let’s try to imagine that we can travel through time and observe the evolution of glaciers through the centuries: starting with images taken today, a hypothetical projection of a future scenario was created and five photographs were associated with five videos simulating possible developments, the result of digital processing and imagination.
This exercise in imagination prompts us to reflect on the possible fates of glaciers, opening the door to an awareness of their changing nature and the need to preserve our fragile environment.
5 short films simulating possible future developments
Through digital elaborations, the product of imagination, 5 short films were created to simulate possible future developments. In this imaginary projection, the landscape is transformed as glaciers gradually disappear and are replaced by an expanse of stones.
01
Fellaria Glacier
Fellaria Glacier is located in Lombardy, in Valmalenco, in the province of Sondrio, within the Bernina Mountain range.
The lake, also known as Lago di Ghiaccio (Ice Lake), is located at about 2600 m and was formed in recent times as a result of glacier retreat and has reached a significant surface area, becoming the largest natural lake in Valmalenco
PLAY
02
Mont Blanc Massif: Courmayeur -Chamonix
The ice stripe on the Mont Blanc massif, in front of the Rifugio Torino (3375 m), seen from Punta Helbronner (3462 m) with Mont Blanc (4805.59 m.) behind and Val Ferret above.
PLAY
03
Stelvio Pass Glacier
It is Italy’s only summer ski area. In recent years it particularly suffers during this season.
PLAY
04
Mandrone-Adamello Glacier
The Mandrone Adamello Glacier, seen from Cima Presena-Ponte di Legno, is the largest glacier in the Alps and extends into the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park.
In the past four years, the glacier’s main front has receded 277 linear meters and lost 24 meters in thickness (source: Servizio Glaciologico Lombardo) and numerous chasms have opened up, a sign of rapid disintegration and retreat.
PLAY
05
Forni Glacier in Alta Valtellina.
It previously, with its full extent, occupied an entire valley but today it appears to be set back 2 or perhaps even more kilometers. This last image presented (taken in analog) turns out to be inverted along with the related film: the black colors have been transformed into their white opposites and vice versa. They represent the possible reversal, a radical but still conceivable change.
PLAY
01
Fellaria Glacier
Fellaria Glacier is located in Lombardy, in Valmalenco, in the province of Sondrio, within the Bernina Mountain range.
The lake, also known as Lago di Ghiaccio (Ice Lake), is located at about 2600 m and was formed in recent times as a result of glacier retreat and has reached a significant surface area, becoming the largest natural lake in Valmalenco
02
Mont Blanc Massif: Courmayeur -Chamonix
The ice stripe on the Mont Blanc massif, in front of the Rifugio Torino (3375 m), seen from Punta Helbronner (3462 m) with Mont Blanc (4805.59 m.) behind and Val Ferret above.
03
Stelvio Pass Glacier
It is Italy’s only summer ski area. In recent years it particularly suffers during this season.
04
Mandrone-Adamello Glacier
The Mandrone Adamello Glacier, seen from Cima Presena-Ponte di Legno, is the largest glacier in the Alps and extends into the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park.
In the past four years, the glacier’s main front has receded 277 linear meters and lost 24 meters in thickness (source: Servizio Glaciologico Lombardo) and numerous chasms have opened up, a sign of rapid disintegration and retreat.
05
Forni Glacier in Alta Valtellina.
It previously, with its full extent, occupied an entire valley but today it appears to be set back 2 or perhaps even more kilometers. This last image presented (taken in analog) turns out to be inverted along with the related film: the black colors have been transformed into their white opposites and vice versa. They represent the possible reversal, a radical but still conceivable change.
The virtual gallery on spatial.io
Backstage video, images by Marco Villa and Johnny Dalla Libera.