Olafur Eliasson launches Earth Speakr AR app for children

Olafur Eliasson has released Earth Speakr, an augmented reality app and website that invites children worldwide to record ecological messages by speaking as plants or objects, which then appear as talking faces on the surfaces. The project combines the artist's longstanding environmental activism—previously seen in Ice Watch installations highlighting Arctic ice melt—with his focus on youth. Messages can be shared and broadcast at specific locations via the Loud Speakrs feature. Eliasson stated, 'Usually children are asked to pay attention in school and follow the rules; this time it's up to us adults to listen to what they have to say.' The app is available at www.earthspeakr.art. The project is also linked to ongoing work in Val Senales, South Tyrol.