Tomás Saraceno is an important figure for me, because he demonstrates the possibility to work in two directions simultaneously: with radical futurism of Solar energy and with actual activism addressing real problems for real communities.
This image shows a hot air balloon, inflated and lifted by solar-heated air. It speculates on future modes of radical transportation, powered purely by heat of the Sun, without the need of using electricity and storing it in lithium batteries.
At the same time, it becomes a flag of resistance for the community of Salinas Grandes, who are defending their lands against exploitation of litium and scarce water.
This sets a wonderful example, how artistic practice can be used as environmental activism.