Éloge de l’air

“Our public spaces are like the collective imagination: they only have meaning when shared by all.”

Éloge de l’air explores that proposition through movement, interaction and cooperation. Chevalvert wanted to meld two universal symbolic objects – the banner and the swing – to invent a third one of a surrealistic and poetic nature.

Éloge de l’air invites passersby to make an enormous flag flutter atop a pole almost 5 metres tall. Thanks to the movement of the swings as members of the public activate them, the banners reflect light in glittering gold and silver hues. At night, beams of white light projected on the sides of the installation illuminate the poles and banners in a fantastical and captivating dance. The sound of the wind sweeping across the banners hoisted on the poles creates a unique sound environment that beckons us to travel.

The banners generate a visual and collective sway, alternating between harmony and chaos, in response to the public’s swinging. It is an invitation to float, breathe, swing – freely and together.

Technical details

Composition: 9 swings

Several configurations are possible depending on the experience desired.