GEOPHANIES

GEOPHANIES [dʒɪˈɒfəni] | 2019 (GLOBAÏA); from Ancient Greek γῆ (gê, “earth”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “shine, appear, tell”).
1 · Artistic and humanistic visualisations of Earth, illustrating the planet as an interconnected, complex, and co-evolving entity, grounded in scientific understanding.
2 · Evocative portrayals of our collective home, the Earth, intended to inspire feelings of admiration, affection, and responsibility for the wellbeing and future of life on this wondrous blue planet.

“GLOBAÏA’s visualizations of the Anthropocene and the planetary boundaries framework are truly iconic. They have made a significant contribution to how we see the planet we live on. Globaïa’s work is more than simply excellent communication. It is helping change how we think: it makes us aware of our planet, and our impact on it, in new ways. Today, this work has never been more important as we navigate towards a safe operating space for humanity.”
— Johan Rockström, Director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Potsdam, Germany.
“With its videos and maps, GLOBAÏA has invented a new style of visual information aimed at disseminating scientific data on ecological problems. The reproduction of “hyperobjects” with expanded space-time scales represents a real challenge to the traditional representation systems.”
— Gaia Bindi, Professor at Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, Florence, Italy

GEOPHANIES is not a scientific exhibition in the traditional sense—it is a cultural experience shaped by science. Created by GLOBAÏA, it invites visitors into a multisensory journey where art, storytelling, and immersive design converge to spark curiosity, stir emotion, and shift worldviews. At its core, GEOPHANIES translates the insights of Earth system science into intuitive, resonant experiences that speak to both mind and heart.

Rather than presenting data in isolation, the exhibition reveals Earth as a vibrant, interconnected system—alive with motion, energy, and interdependence. Through large-scale visual artworks, animated sequences, soundscapes, and interactive installations, GEOPHANIES allows visitors to sense the planet’s rhythms, perceive its fragility, and explore the deep ties between natural systems and human lives.

Extended reality (XR) and location-based experiences transport audiences to remote ecosystems they may never otherwise encounter, while dome projections and immersive environments expand perception and invite reflection. Carefully designed liminal spaces between sections offer moments of stillness, integration, and deeper awareness.

In a time of global transformation, GEOPHANIES serves as both witness and invitation—bearing testimony to Earth’s changing conditions while awakening the imagination needed to co-create a safe and just future. By bringing planetary thinking into the cultural sphere, it opens space for new narratives, new relationships with the living world, and the collective sense of purpose essential to meaningful planetary stewardship.

**ANTHROPOCENE SPRAWLED**
Throughout history, human civilizations have occupied all inhabitable areas of the planet, from isolated island communities such as Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, to massive cities like Tokyo and Delhi. The Great Acceleration, which followed World War II, marked a rapid surge in global industrial activity, leading to the emergence of an ultra-connected yet fragile and unsustainable world: the Anthropocene.

Themes

Three themes are structuring the exhibition in an unfolding narrative:

The exhibition will begin by raising awareness about the interconnectedness of Earth’s living systems and the dramatic impact of human activity. This theme will be illustrated through large-scale, detailed artworks that bring to life planetary patterns, trends and phenomena.
As we delve deeper, we confront the stark reality of our planetary emergency. This section of the exhibition illuminates the pressing challenges we face, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the approach of environmental tipping points. Through evocative and thought-provoking artworks, visitors will bear witness to the Anthropocene epoch, a time defined by humanity's indelible mark on the Ecosphere.
In the final stage of our journey, we are called to reflect on our collective responsibility to safeguard a thriving future for all life on Earth. This section will showcase inspiring visualizations that celebrate the power of nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable technologies. These images will serve as a beacon of hope, inviting each visitor to embrace their role as a planetary steward and join the movement towards a harmonious, sustainable world.

**ONE PLANETARY CIVILISATION**
Our planet is home to a diverse and complex civilization, full of different cultures, languages, and beliefs. Despite our differences, there is something that unites us all: our shared humanity. We all have the same basic needs for food, shelter, and love, and we all have the capacity for empathy, compassion, and understanding. May we work towards a planetary civilisation that is united in our commitment to building a better future for all.

Why Geophanies?

A Pivotal Time in History

The Big Picture and the Long View.

We are at a critical moment in human history, and the collective choices we make will have a profound effect on the future of our species. Do we have the foresight and wisdom to collaborate as a global community?

Creating a Safe and Just Future

Transformating and evolving civilization.

The global challenges of our era require a comprehensive approach and coordinated action by governments, businesses, communities and citizens. How will we come together to ensure a healthy, just, resilient, and sustainable future?

Shifting Worldviews
Remembering our connection to all life.
A planetary worldview recognizes that we are part of a larger community of life, and that our well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of other species and the planet as a whole. How can we foster a deeper sense of belonging, connection and reverence?
Art + Science
Touching hearts and minds.
By emulating what astronauts experience when viewing Earth from space, the synthesis of art and science activates our sense of awe and wonder. What experiences will remind us that we are planetary stewards and social change agents?