studio echelman weaves luminous 'earthtime' for mercedes benz in munich

american artist janet echelman presents her latest ethereal works of large-scale sculpture dubbed ‘earthtime 1.26 munich.’ the artist worked with mercedes benz as part of this year’s international motor show (IAA mobility 2021) to transform munich’s odeonsplatz into a living art venue. the floating sculpture is created entirely from recyclable fibers and measures 79 by 69 feet (24 by 21 meters). a symbol of the dynamic nature of ourecosystem, the work is constantly changing due to natural forces. the sustainable message corresponds with the theme of the auto show, which celebrates the sustainable solutions toward the future of mobility.

images courtesy of studio echelman

janet echelman will show the multi-colored sculpture ‘earthtime 1.26 munich’ for mercedes benz to show at the IAA mobility 2021 auto show. the work will float in the sky above the luxury automobile brand’s exhibition at odeonsplatz, which will be entirely dedicated to sustainable solutions for the future of mobility. while munich’s department of culture and the munich museum of urban and contemporary art (MUCA) have opened the art installation on thursday, august 12th, it will be on display for the trade fair’s duration from september 7th until the beginning of october.

the recyclable, highly engineered fibers of janet echleman’s ‘earthtime’ are woven like a fishing net. some are 15 times stronger than steel by weight. wind, rain and light continuously transform the net, which is constantly in motion, changing its shape and color, interweaving with and activating the urban space and allowing it to breathe. the three-dimensional shape is inspired by the 3D data model of the ocean’s surface following an earthquake that caused ripple effects across the pacific ocean. the number 1.26 refers to this natural event, which led to an acceleration of the earth’s rotation, shortening the length of the day by about 1.26 microseconds. ‘earthtime 1.26 munich’ is being shown in germany for the first time. it is part of the artist’s ‘earthtime series’ which explores the interconnectedness of humans with nature.