Valentino Vettori’s Immersive Eco-Journey: Arcadia Earth
Not-so-fun fact: We consume the equivalent of one credit card in microplastics each week.
This sobering detail—and many others—are shared at Arcadia Earth, the interactive art exhibit designed by experiential artist Valentino Vettori. Currently on display in New York City, the 15-room exhibit highlights some of the biggest environmental challenges the world is currently facing, presented as Valentino’s personal journey.
Thanks to virtual and augmented reality, attendees can explore such underwater experiences as shrinking coral beds and massive entrapment fishing nets, while receiving an education in what’s harming our planet and how to help.
Each installation in the 15,000-square-foot exhibit was developed using upcycled materials and reusable elements, and TENCEL™ partnered with Valentino for a room of its compostable and biodegradable fibers.
Carved in Blue chatted with Valentino about the immersive installation, located at 718 Broadway in New York City, on the border Soho.
Carved in Blue: You have done many installations and creative projects. What does Arcadia Earth mean to you?
Valentino: I realized that “I am the pollution” and my creative installations results in many garbage trucks at the end of the event. Arcadia is the new me. I vow to put my talent to serve a better cause and to change my footprint from destructive to constructive.
Carved in Blue: What inspires you? Where do you get your creative energy?
Valentino: I have no idea. Arcadia has been mentally, physically and financially an extremely hard project. I go home every night in pain yet wake up every morning full of energy. It’s like someone or somebody really want me to keep pushing forward.
Carved in Blue: What source do you find is best for information about the environment?
Valentino: There are many scientific reliable sources. I choose Oceanic Global for any info related to the ocean and WWF for land.
Carved in Blue: When this closes in 2020, what will make you the most satisfied? What would make you say it was all worthwhile?
Valentino: I don’t want to close; I want to move the event into another city/state/country and keep on raising the movement. That will make me say it’s worthwhile.
Carved in Blue: Where does Arcadia Earth go next?
Valentino: LA and San Francisco are in my mind, but I need investors to grow the business and make the move.