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Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

As you walk through Paris and especially in the Montsouris Park, one cannot help but notice the blue busts that appear to be rising from under the surface of the water. This art work is known as ‘Where the Tides Ebb and Flow’ created by Pedro Marzorati, an Argentinian artist. This is a commentary on how the water levels in the earth’s sea bodies continue to rise as a result of climate change. The level of submersion of the various sculptures is an indication of the level of impact that global warming is having in different parts of the world. The sequence in which the sculptures are arranged indicates that as time goes by, the human forms will be completely below the water. The use of blue for the sculptures is deliberate and so is the number of sculptures used. The work shows that poetic activism can be just as effective if not more powerful than verbal advocacy.

The world today faces many challenges one of which is climate change as a result of human activity. Is there something that can be done to protect the environment from self-destruction? The future of the continent depends on the actions of its inhabitants but a visual that can be seen all the time communicates this message better. For Pedro, a controversial installation is the only way in which this message of climate disturbances can be addressed.

Pedro Marzorati in many instances uses ordinary objects to interpret various world events. In a way, his works appeal to the subconscious and subsequently leave the audience in deep thought about problems facing humanity. By creating concern for the universe, the artist sends out warnings about what would happen if destructive activities are not stopped. To use a statue to demonstrate human destruction is the closest form of personal intervention and many artists are taking up this technique. It might not be possible to project accurately the stages of destruction that adverse global warming is going to have but the statues will continue to give a warning even to future generations.

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris
Photo: Reuters/Christian Hartmann

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris
Photo: AP/Francois Mori

Pedro Marzorati – Where the Tides Ebb and Flow, Montsouris Park, Paris

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