Renounce 'Self' / Awaken "Gaia"
Gaia evokes an image of a world united in peace and activated by sharing and cooperation. Mel Chin has conceived of a work that may not produce a world peace, but it will make 'sharing' and 'cooperation' a reality for thousands of individuals. Entitled "FIAT LUCE: Let There Be Light", the work is currently in the form of a proposal prepared in response to a competition for Bologna, Italy public art. His proposal demonstrates, once again, Chin's devotion to producing a public good instead of a personal feat. It shares the inclusive and uplifting elements that distinguish his Fundred Dollar project.
Chin’s preparatory notes reveal meticulous strategizing in pursuit of this generous goal. He states, “Let there be uncomplicated actions asked of the participants, making interaction accessible and non-intrusive, and then generously return evidence, in great scale, as a reward for public engagement.” Significantly, Chin concludes by affirming his commitment to conducting this action “without cynicism, to further the principles of participation.”
FIAT LUCE is described as follows:
l. On a clear night, at a given moment, throughout Bologna and the surrounding area people will switch off their lights…
2. Then, simultaneously, they will flick their lights OFF and ON according to a signal.
3. ISS, satellites, and high altitude planes will record the light show.
4. “Back on earth, the simple interaction by so many people, conducted from the comfort of their own homes, is complete.” They will retire, stay up, or resume their evening without further interruption. The next night, they can tune in to see evidence of their participation. “
Chin has not decided on the mass message this work will transmit to the atmosphere, but he has made it certain that the outcome will represent the unified cooperation of an entire district. For this brief period, people will set aside personal interests. Instead of a sacrifice, they may experience the magnification of self performing in unison with masses of strangers, and without durress.