Antarctic Sun Lines

This series of Antarctic solargraphs visually locates the continent in relation to the dynamics of the solar system and the natural forces that create and sustain life on Earth. The sun and the tilted rotation of the Earth are active in creating the solargraph images which record the narrow window of time when human and biospheric activity in Antarctica are at their peak. 

 

In the 2015/16 austral summer season Adele was working at the remote Base A historic site and museum on Goudier Island, Port Lockroy, in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Over the four months that Adele lived there she created what may be the first solargraphs made in Antarctica. With the support and participation of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) and over 70 Antarctic organisations, base personnel and polar researcher the project developed into an international collaboration. Between 2017-2020, over 100 of Adele's solargraph cameras were installed at research stations, heritage sites and field camps across the continent, making this a pan-Antarctic arts project. The work was presented at the 42nd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Prague, 2018; Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, New Zealand, 2019; and Tūranga Central  Library, Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, 2022.

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For a more in depth project description see Chapter 12 ' The art of interconnection: Meaning, symbolism and Antarcticness in Antarctic solargraphy' in the book Antarcticness: Inspirations and Imaginaries published by UCL Press. Free to access here: 

https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/180737a

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With great appreciation Adele acknowledges the support of COMNAP, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury, the Trans-Antarctic Association, and the many individuals who made this project a success through helping set up and return the cameras. Special thanks to Bob Clayden, who introduced her to the art form, and generously shared his time and expertise. 

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