Cipher

From data to art: The untold life and legacy of a wind turbine

What if wind turbines could tell their life stories and we could document them? In collaboration with Vattenfall, Interactivist chronicles their existence through unique, data-driven paintings. Visuals that depict the key episodes in the life of individual turbines. By blending data analysis with personal stories and artistic expression, these artworks capture the essence of each turbine. And reflect its identity and context. Through our work, we show that the energy transition not only creates economic value. In the interaction between sustainability and society, it unveils deeper meaning and hidden beauty. This way it becomes a vital part of our cultural and emotional landscape.

Data as the paint, the algorithm as the brush, and the turbines as the artist

We illustrate this through the portrayal of ‘WH1101 - Horns Rev 1’. We showcase its social, environmental, and operational interactions across key stages; from inception and operation to decommissioning and reuse. The artworks, crafted as visual and tactile abstractions of data, highlight the turbine’s multifaceted impact. They invite viewers to engage with its narrative in a more artistic and emotive way.