Design Miami/ 2014: Installation draws attention to melting glaciers

The installation, called Thinning Ice, is the creation of architect Jeanne Gang and award-winning nature photographer and film maker James Balog.

Inspired by Balog’s previous work, which records the damage climate change has caused to glaciers, the installation of ‘frozen’ Swarovksi crystals gives the impression of melting ice.

A smooth table that represents a glacier, set in the middle of the installation, is punctuated with voids, evoking meltwater thaw holes and crystalline thinning ice. Balog’s photography and video footage of melting glaciers provide a backdrop on the walls of the installation.

Nadja Swarovski, a member of the brand’s executive board, says that Thinning Ice ‘captures the haunting beauty of the earth’s threatened glaciers, in a powerful, almost elegiac way.’

Swarovski has a tradition of commissioning art works to raise awareness around environmental conversations and issues. See last year's work, inspired by Brazilian mangrove forests, here.