Mixed reality "Polar Rainbow"

Polar Rainbow is an AR artwork by Kristaps Ancāns. It connects the North and South Poles, regions where rainbows cannot typically be seen. The installation is moved around the globe by the artist, finding temporary homes and signifying togetherness and equality. The project launched in Times Square, New York, on June 1, 2022. Spanning the 74W meridian from the North Pole to the South Pole and cutting directly through Times Square over 7th Avenue, this virtual double rainbow symbolises solidarity among and with LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide.

Atmospheric optical phenomena such as rainbows, mirages and coronas result from the interaction of light and matter in the atmosphere and are thus part of the physical environment of Earth’s ecosystems. Intrigued by the absence of rainbows at the North and South Poles, this project offers a virtual double rainbow spanning the two Poles. Polar Rainbow reaches out to communities under duress, advocating hope, empathy, togetherness and solidarity. It stands against societal polarisation and draws inspiration from the 1989 "Baltic Chain of Freedom", when around two million people from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania formed a human chain, spanning 430 miles / 700 km across their countries' borders during the Soviet Union's dissolution. Polar Rainbow was launched in collaboration with Times Square Arts, Beyond Matter Project and domobaal.

Historically, human rights advocacy arose from diverse and multiple local contexts. Now, with technological advancements and supportive tools, we can seek to bring together both communities and individuals all over the world. Polar Rainbow has partnered with around 50 organisations so far worldwide. Addressing the isolation of millions is the primary motivation for this artwork, it serves as a beacon of hope where the use of rainbows are outlawed.

The project eschews physical materials and resources, focusing on actively encouraging participation by numerous individuals and groups. This project is not a protest; it's a signal of hope and togetherness. Art serves as the conduit to foster intergenerational connections across all social divides, with monumentality manifested and activated through the unity of people rather than stone structures.

Polar Rainbow is produced in cooperation with Tallinn Art Hall, the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union and the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation.

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