ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Sound art installation by Marlene Kuntz bassist in drained lake

exhibition · 2026-05-05

Lake Molveno in Trentino-Alto Adige is undergoing decennial draining for maintenance, a process that raises ecological concerns among residents. Historically a natural lake, it transformed into an artificial reservoir in the 1950s due to Hydro Dolomiti Energia's intervention. In response to community apprehensions, the municipality introduced the initiative #OP17, which emphasizes the connection between the local community and the lake. The program features various artists, including bassist Luca Lagash, visual creator MOG, and writer Thomas Boehm. Notably, a 100-meter wooden dialogue table was installed on February 19, with events running until June 3, including art unveilings and a submerged time capsule.

Key facts

  • Lake Molveno is drained every ten years for maintenance.
  • The lake was turned into an artificial reservoir in the 1950s for hydroelectric power by Hydro Dolomiti Energia.
  • The project #OP17 aims to heal the community's trauma and reconnect with the lake.
  • Luca Lagash, bassist of Marlene Kuntz, created a sound installation on the drained lakebed.
  • A 100-meter-long wooden table was installed on February 19 for public debates until May 12.
  • Debates extend to Mart in Rovereto, Muse, and Fondazione Museo Storico del Trentino in Trento.
  • MOG's permanent sculpture will be installed on April 29.
  • The project ends on June 3 with the return of water and submersion of a Time Capsule.

Entities

Artists

  • Luca Lagash
  • Alessandro Cremonesi
  • MOG
  • Thomas Boehm

Institutions

  • Hydro Dolomiti Energia
  • Natourism
  • Associazione Bambini Cardiopatici nel Mondo
  • Mart
  • Muse
  • Fondazione Museo Storico del Trentino
  • Marlene Kuntz
  • La Crus

Locations

  • Lake Molveno
  • Trentino-Alto Adige
  • Molveno
  • Rovereto
  • Trento
  • Dolomiti di Brenta

Sources