The Dutch studio Roosegarde is one of the companies that Futuroprossimo has on its permanent watchlist: the technical, artistic, even poetic capacity with which technology is put at the service of human beings enchants me. Today it still amazes me with a theme that is very popular in my city, Naples: fireworks.
The artist Daan Roosegaarde was inspired by the brilliant light of fireflies to update a cultural heritage in the direction of absolute sustainability. SPARK is a performance that shows the fireworks of the future: thousands of bright and biodegradable sparks, which fly in the sky naturally.
The Spanish city of Bilbao will be the first in the world to host (during the Wellbeing Summit for Social Change, 1-3 June 2022) a system that could also change the way we celebrate by putting aside dangerous fireworks but also paper lanterns, drones and other polluting festoons.
Organic “Fireflies” for the future of fireworks
Hundreds of bright sparks made of biodegradable materials are silently moved by the ever-changing wind: they are inspired by fireflies, flocks of birds and galaxies. This dynamic cloud of 50 x 30 x 50 m in the main park of Bilbao will inspire visitors to wonder and reflect on their relationship with others, themselves and nature.
As in the case of other “technological alternatives” to the reality proposed by his Studio, these SPARK “fireworks” also invite us to overcome our fear of the future and transform it into magic, hope, enthusiasm.
And in Italy?
Among the many cults that animate it, Italy also has that of fireworks. The holidays are particularly heartfelt and celebrated in these latitudes, often at a very high price. Air pollution (it reaches very high peaks on December 31st), victims of mutilations and other horrors make us wonder every year if there isn't a more beautiful way to experience a moment of joy.
For me, being from Naples, then…
“My team and I would be happy to work with the people of Naples to update this magnificent custom,” he writes to me Daan Roosegarde via mail. “It's a real pleasure only when it doesn't hurt others or animals, as SPARK demonstrates.”
The joy would be double: can you imagine my city full of these "fireflies" on New Year's Eve? More than "barrels".
