66,000 – A Water Mosaic with a Cause
Date
2012-2013
About This Project
To raise awareness among the general public about the global clean water crisis, the artist Belo created an image composed of 66,000 cups of colored rainwater simulating levels of impurities found in water all over the planet. This major work of 3,600 square feet, representing a fetus in the maternal womb, emphasizes the necessity of water, even before birth, for each living person. The goals of 66,000 were many: taking up the artistic and material challenges inherent to this monumental production, and informing the public of the dramatic consequences of a lack of drinkable water.
A large single photo print of this ephemeral work, was one of a few artworks selected for the online auction organized as part of One Night for ONE DROP. This exclusive fundraising event for the benefit of ONE DROP was held on World Water Day, March 22, 2013 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Those interested could raise the stakes on this exclusive photo by Belo, by biding on the online auction site Charitybuzz.
The photo will also be exhibited during this prestigious evening with the video produced by Punchline Films revealing the impressive making of this unique rainwater mosaic.
“66,000 cups with as many wishes for a world where the lack of access to clean water will be a thing of the past”. – Belo
Fun Facts:
- 66,000 compostable and biodegradable cups
- 15,000 litters of colored rainwater
- 1 kg of vegetable dye
- More than 100 volunteers
- 62 hours of work
- Placed end to end, the 66,000 cups would measure 5.2 km long
Thank you to all volunteers, partners and sponsers!
Partners: ONE DROP, Punchline Films, Allan Hurd, Melanie Wagenhoffer and Julie Tremblay
Sponsors: Nova Envirocom and Cirque du Soleil
Photos: Robert Wagenhoffer