In this hyper-visual world, it's becoming more challenging to keep the general public informed and engaged with pressing issues, specifically issues relating to the environment. The quickly changing landscapes, rising sea levels, and temperature fluctuations should be enough of a warning for others to take notice. However, Alicja Biala and Iwo Borkowicz illustrate these issues using public space, data, and art. 

Located beneath MVRDV's Baltyk Tower stands Biala and Borkowicz's 9m-tall installation. At first glance, the colorful structures would capture anyone's attention. The intricate patterns and distinct individualist shapes may satisfy social media thirsty individuals, but the message behind each piece represents something far more important. 

Totemy is a multi-layered set of towering totems representing a visual data narrative of the effects of climate change. After gathering information and data from scientific reports and statistics, each distinct totem pole showcases a visual graphic of over food production, plastic use, deforestation, air pollution, overfishing, and animal extinction. Visitors are invited to learn about each totem by scanning a QR code placed on each piece. 

Borkowicz shares on Totemy's website, "It took a while to select topics, and it was quite a dynamic process. In the beginning, a broad spectrum of issues was contemplated. We wanted to create six pillars of different natures but of equal gravity. In terms of civilization, in many respects, we have been going in the right direction in the last decade. However, the opposite unfortunately must be said about the environmental condition of the Earth."  

Biala adds, "Public space allows art to reach everyone, not only a narrow group of gallery and museum-goers. The totem poles are based on statistics which we wanted to include in the public space. The information reflects our amorality as humans. The statistics are not only dedicated to one social group - they direct the message to the whole of society. We are curious to know whether the facts will be rejected or accepted and if our intentions will be interpreted correctly. The work is not intended as an attack but as an invitation to enter into discussion, with a view towards evolving as a society."

According to Biala and Borkowicz the installation will be a permeant fixture to the site to help raise the awareness of climate change and the issues that follow. To learn more about each totem and it's visual data meaning click here.