Seed Vault 2, Arctic Technology, Spitsbergen

Seed Vault 2 is a photograph by the Norwegian artist Christian Houge, taken as part of the Arctic Technology series in Spitsbergen between 2012 and 2013. It shows the Svalbard Global Seedvault, a secure backup facility containing a collection of seeds from almost all the countries in the world, aimed as security of the world’s food supply in case of catastrophic events such as natural disasters, wars, diseases or terrorism.

All of the photographs in the Arctic Technology series were taken on Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, which is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole. This area is renowned for its untouched, moon-like landscape and magical light. It also has the cleanest atmosphere on Earth, making it particularly suitable for climate research and space observation. Gigantic technical installations, satellite receivers, and a Global Seed Vault containing biodiversity have been constructed on the island, blending with the pristine natural landscape while also interfering with it. While aesthetically captivating, Christian Houge’s photographs prompt reflection on the relationship between technology and nature. The panoramic format he has chosen for this series aims to create a sense of spatial disorientation.

“Many of my projects explore the contrast and symbiosis between nature and culture. This art project has taken me deep into the arctic landscape on Spitsbergen throughout the past seven years, on ten trips in total. I have become obsessed with the fantastic contrasts between the primal landscape and technology, between Man and the manmade; between our extrovert search for knowledge, and our introvert search for insight.” Christian Houge

In 2005, Arctic Technology was shortlisted for the BMW Prize at Paris Photo. The series is part of the “Paradise Lost” exhibition, presented in 2015 in three Chinese cities, including Beijing, at the Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, which has exhibited famous photographers such as Ken Kitano and Sasha Weidner.

Small size: Archival pigment print mounted on aluminum / Large size: C-print mounted on aluminum

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