French-Swiss artist Julian Charrière presents his first solo exhibition in Scandinavia, “Solarstalgia,” at ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art in Denmark. This exhibition marks a significant moment in contemporary art’s engagement with environmental issues.
Born in 1987, Charrière has established himself as a central figure in the international art scene. His work is characterized by an activist and scientific approach, exploring the evolving relationship between humanity and nature.
“Solarstalgia,” a play on the concept of solastalgia, addresses collective anxiety about environmental change and ecological collapse. The exhibition transforms the museum space into a darkened, marsh-like environment reminiscent of Carboniferous era swamps, highlighting the millennia-long process of organic matter transformation into fossil fuels.
The exhibition features several large-scale installations that underscore humanity’s exploitation of ancient landscapes. Key works include “Panchronic Garden” and “An Invitation to Disappear,” alongside new commissions. These installations invite viewers to project themselves into endangered ecosystems, potentially fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Visitors will find themselves immersed in a scenography that bridges past and present. The exhibition connects primordial forests with contemporary palm oil plantations, and juxtaposes fossilized sunshine extracted from coal pits with modern energy concerns. This temporal dissonance serves to emphasize the long-term consequences of human actions on the environment.
“Solarstalgia” forms part of ARKEN’s exhibition trilogy NATURE FUTURE, which examines the intricate relationships between humans, nature, and technology. This context amplifies the relevance of Charrière’s work within broader discussions of environmental art and ecological awareness.
It is worth noting that the exhibition employs strong flashes of light, darkness, and fog to create its immersive environment. Visitors are advised to enter at their own risk, as these elements may affect the viewing experience.
Julian Charrière: “Solarstalgia” will be on view at ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art, Ishøj, Denmark, from November 28, 2024, to April 20, 2025.
