"respire" is a interactive kinetic sculptor that connects the elements of fire, water, and air demonstrating the environmental interconnectedness. Visitors are invited to engage directly with and transmit real-time global air quality data, transforming the installation into a living, responsive and breathing object.

In the center of the work is a gas flame, embedded in a water basin. Fire and water symbolize the delicate balance of elements on our planet. Just as fire relies on oxygen, the flame responds to the air we breathe – shifting in size and intensity based on the air quality of different cities around the world. Visitors can select a country and city, and the flame adapts, mirroring the air quality in real-time.

Water, as a life-giving force, plays a central role not only in this installation but also in our environment. Rain cleanses the air, binding particulate matter and allowing us to breathe easier. As air pollution intensifies, the flame dims, a reflection on the ecological conditions. When the air is cleaner, the flame is growing again. By using and reinterpreting real-time environmental data, the work creates a direct link between global air quality and our immediate sensory experience and its impact on all life on Earth. “respire” contributes to global research and invites the audience to engage in the conversation about air quality and the future of our planet.