Fata Morgana: Reflections of Antarctica I [ambient & flash]
- Mixed Media (metalpoint drawing on waterproof paper with reflective thread stitching)
- Michelle Schwengel-Regala
Extreme conditions in polar regions epitomize "winter" and often present fantastical visual phenomena including "fata morgana" -- landscape "glitches" resulting from light reflecting off layered air stratified by temperature. My silvery metalpoint drawing and reflective thread stitches tracing the Transantarctic Mountains mirror "albedo" -- the reflectivity of a surface. Ice and snow have high albedo (close to 1) and reflect light and heat, while rocks and soil have lower albedo (closer to 0) and absorb more light and heat. Scientists are monitoring these qualities and the changing features on our planet.