Leni Dothan: Portland Stone Rehabilitation Centre
This innovative art project by Leni Dothan was prompted by the desire to raise a stronger awareness towards the invisible enemy that is air pollution. Together with the Chemistry department of UCL, Leni created these photographs on 200 Portland stones using London’s air pollution
Texts by Marine Tanguy MTArt Agency
This project is a perfect conceptual and chemical symbiosis between science and art, aiming for awareness and a response to air pollution through public art in between London and Portland Isle. During the b-side biennale, the artist will transform the Verne High Angle Battery into a rehab centre for air polluted sculptures made in London.
These sculptures will be the outcome of an ongoing research based collaboration with Dr. Raul Quesada-Cabrera, expert in photochemistry at UCL, prof. Andrea Sella and Sana Ali. Together, they developed a pollution-reactive material in UCL’s Chemistry lab.
Leni Dothan will bring these polluted sculptures to Portland for them to be cleaned while on display at the Verne High Angle Battery for nine days. The audience will witness the colour changes on the sculptures as the artworks react to a healthier context. The sculptures will become a powerful tool for public awareness towards the growing issue that is air pollution, especially in cities.
About Marine Tanguy MTArt Agency
Founded in 2015, MTArt is the first artist agency in the world for the world’s most exciting up and coming visual artists. While the art world concentrates on selling art on walls, the agency focuses on investing and supporting the artists. Every month, the agency reviews 200 portfolios of artists. Its selection committee select artists with innovative techniques, inspiring content and strong visions.
For the artists who sign with the agency, MTArt covers their studio costs, sells their works, implement cultural & commercial partnerships and offers press exposure. This is how the agency accelerates their artistic reputation, visibility and success.