Italian sculptor takes a hands-on approach to climate change awareness

Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn has launched a monumental sculpture that aims to draw attention to the impact of climate change on cities as part of the 2017 Venice Biennale.

Quinn launched his sculpture named “Support” at the 14th century Ca’ Sagredo Hotel, Venice, located along the city’s Grand Canal. Two large hands emerge from canal to support the historic building, representing the role people must play in supporting Venice’s unique world heritage, according to the artist.

“Venice is a floating art city that has inspired cultures for centuries, but to continue to do so it needs the support of our generation and future ones, because it is threatened by climate change and time decay,” Quinn said in a press release.

Quinn created the hands, which each weigh more than 2,200 kilogrammes, in his Barcelona studio before they were brought to Venice for installation in the Grand Canal. The sculpture will be on display until November 26. The video below shows the installation of “Support”.