The powerful, sensory art installation has appeared at iconic locations all over the world including New York, Madrid, London, Melbourne, Switzerland and Norway, and now it’s heading to Perth.
RAC is bringing Michael Pinsky's Pollution Pods to Elizabeth Quay for 10 days this October, in a bid to spark conversations about clean air and help Western Australians understand the impact of vehicle emissions on our health and environment.
Described as a visceral, confronting, and striking experience, the installation has captivated visitors across the globe.
The Pollution Pods are a series of interconnected domes that safely replicate the climate, visibility, and smell of five different locations – London, New Delhi, São Paulo, Beijing and Tautra - a remote peninsula in Norway.
Visitors will experience escalating pollution levels and shifting climates as they move through the pods, the immersive installation blending science and art to provoke reflection on the quality of the air we breathe.
Artist Michael Pinsky said he has tried to distil the whole bodily sense of being in each place.
“Pollution is invisible, but its effects are not. Pollution Pods makes people experience air pollution rather than simply hear about it,” said Mr Pinsky.
“I’m delighted to bring the work to Perth and hope it prompts people to think differently about the air we share and the choices we make to protect it.
RAC Head of Communications Rhys Heron said Western Australians will experience a dramatic shock to the senses as they abruptly transition from the pristine, clear air of Norway to the simulated smog of New Delhi and Beijing.
“We’re excited to bring the Pollution Pods to Perth and get people thinking about our air quality. The blue skies and fresh air we enjoy today are not something to be taken for granted,” said Mr Heron.
"Traffic emissions remain Perth's biggest air quality challenge. We hope the Pollution Pods help inspire action across our community, as even small changes to your daily commute can make a big difference."
"For those who can, opting to take public transport, walking, cycling, carpooling, reducing unnecessary trips and choosing low-emissions vehicles can be great options."
After touring the Pollution Pods, visitors can calculate the emissions generated by their own daily commute on the purpose-built RAC Emissions Calculator.
The calculator has been created to help visitors understand how their travel habits impact emissions and identify small changes that can help keep Perth’s air clean for future generations.
The Pollution Pods is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to support RAC’s vision for a safer, more sustainable, and better connected Western Australia.
The RAC Air Health Monitor has been actively monitoring Perth’s air quality for four years and has been recognised at state and national levels for excellence and innovation.
The Pollution Pods will be open at Elizabeth Quay from 11am to 6pm daily from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November. The event is free to the public.
More details can be found on the RAC website here.