Artist makes pollution visible in wearable piece

Performers modelling hi-tech clothing that responds to changing pollution levels will be walking around Manchester city centre in July, as part of the programme of events for the Science in the City festival.

‘Human Sensor’ by artist Kasia Molga incorporates a design for clothing that lights up dramatically in response to the wearers’ breathing and air pollution data. The piece has been developed by Invisible Dust, a commissioning organisation that works with artists and scientists to produce works of contemporary art.

Performers wearing the clothing will reveal the presence of pollutants to audiences during walks around Manchester city centre, and each walk will culminate in a choreographed performance.

Photography – Nick Harrison

Molga’s piece will feature as one of two projects focusing on how the human body interacts and is affected by its environment at the Science in the City festival in Manchester, taking place from 22-29 July.

The second work, ‘Sensory Sound-pit’, is by European City of Science artist in residence Di Mainstone, and will involve an audio-visual display inspired by the artist’s research into the ways in which the brain responds to sound. Audiences will enter an immersive and tactile environment where sound is represented by shape, touch, motion and image. The piece will be hosted at 70 Oxford Street, formerly the Cornerhouse.

Arts Council England has supported both projects with £113,990 through its National Lottery-funded Grants for the Arts programme.

Annie Keane, director, European City of Science Programme, said: “These two projects will bring science to life for audiences in very different ways. Kasia will tackle questions about air pollution in our cities – one of the most important global environmental issues of our time – and Di’s work will invite us to explore how we perceive different experiences through our senses.”