USM DESIGN GRANT FOUNDATION - 8th EDITION
19–22.09.2024
La Becque, La Tour-de-Peilz

For the 8th year, the Fondation USM has rewarded a group of students from ECAL's Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication, whose Anthracite project aims to raise public awareness of the effects of light pollution on a sustainable future.
 
The 8th edition of the Bouse de la Fondation USM honors the project by Rebecca Alfandary, Emma Louise Grosu and Phinn Sallin-Mason, students in ECAL's Visual Communication department.
 
Anthracite is a reflection of the night sky, which is no longer as dark as it should be. The project focuses specifically on Swiss biodiversity, and aims to raise awareness of the significant impact of light pollution on pollination. It highlights how artificial light disturbs nocturnal insects, interfering with their natural behaviors and ultimately threatening their existence. Today, 60% of Swiss moths are threatened.
 
The project, which combines powerful images with specific information and solutions, consists of a book, a video and an image installation specially designed for the La Becque garden, where it will be on display from September 19 to 22, 2024.

Anthracite

Project

The Anthracite project aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of light pollution, which threatens the survival of nocturnal insects and impacts biodiversity in Switzerland. Through a carefully crafted edition blending scientific outreach and photography, the project strikes a delicate balance between poetry and urgency. Anthracite also takes shape in two additional formats: a visual installation made up of striking images, and a teaser video. These mediums of awareness immerse the audience by adopting the perspective of an insect, inviting viewers to directly experience the effects of human-caused pollution. Ultimately, the project seeks to inspire greater protection for the vulnerable insects at risk.