Earth crisis, a sphere at the heart of the Eiffel Tower

Public art to awaken consciences

This project was conceived and set up by La Galerie Itinerrance and is a result of the coming together of the firm commitment to sustainable development of the artist, of Paris City Hall and of the Eiffel Tower Operating Company. The sphere is named “Earth Crisis”, weighs 2.3 tonnes and measures 8 metres in diameter with a printed surface of over 200m2. Suspended more than 60 metres above the ground, it is a powerful call to reflection on the future of our planet and on the threats to its longevity.

For Shepard Fairey, known as OBEY, public art has the power to touch people emotionally and intellectually. The ornamental structure of the “Earth Crisis” sphere is a mandala of floral motifs evoking harmony with nature. This work comprises 8 powerful images wrapped around the sphere symbolising both the nature of the threats to the environment and an exhortation to respect it. The aim of the images of this mandala based on the theme of climate change and the environment is to raise awareness and provoke discussions on the future of our planet. The colours used recall the blue and green of the air, water and vegetation which enable the earth to maintain life.

“My political position on the protection of the planet is dictated by my worries about the quality of life future generations will have. I am not alarmist, but I think that people must understand that we are facing a world crisis. I think it is interesting that the globe presents different experiences to the spectator viewing from a distance and from close by, while residing at the heart of the Eiffel Tower. I hope the “Earth Crisis” sphere is visually striking but also that it generates a conversation we must have about the fate of our planet.” - Shepard Fairey

Detailed presentation of the project: itinerrance.fr/hors-les-murs/earth-crisis/

Discover the video of the Earth Crisis project