One minute of green (2022, 8:45) is a sound installation by Giovanna Iorio in the woods of Hertford Heath to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

The symbolism of the word green is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both positive and negative associations. In the context of an art installation that explores the relationship between human beings and the planet, the symbolism of green serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.

I asked friends and poets from around the world to say the word green in their mother tongue for one minute. Nothing else was added to my request. I received more than 15 voices  from Japan, UK, Italy, USA, Austria, France, Israel ...  I researched the history of the color green, from sacred to poisonous, this color is nowadays connected to environmental battles and a dream of a new era for human beings and their relationship with Nature. 

Mixing one minute of green in many languages and using small glass containers represents the diversity of human culture and language.  The small container is a metaphor for the finite and delicate nature of our planet. It highlights the need to cherish and protect our natural resources and the importance of making sustainable choices in our daily lives.

The act of mixing the voices of fifteen poets saying "green" in their own language and placing them in a small container serves as a powerful symbol of diversity, unity, and the importance of preserving the planet we call home.

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