“What does World Day for Glaciers signify to you as an artist?”
I was asked this question the other day, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share. The World Day for Glaciers on Friday 21st March 2025 is a remarkable initiative by the UN. It is now generally acknowledged as being of sufficient concern to bring wider awareness.
Artists have a unique and personal perspective on what they see and act upon. As I have been taking my photographs in the Alps since 2013, I have observed the view, the science, the geographic and cultural impact laid before me. The first image is of The Findelgletscher 2,500 metres (see above). The melted glacial ice and ablation observed is flowing down from the Strahlhorn 4,190 metres and Cima Di Jazzi 3,792 metres, Pennine Alps, Switzerland. The glacier has reduced by 5 kilometres in the last 150 years.
I have heard from indigenous guides of the reduction of 25 metres per year in the Zinal Glacier, Switzerland. The Zinalrothorn 4,221 metres can be seen above. I have read the newspaper report that in two years 10% of glacial volume has been lost (the Swiss Academy of Sciences). I have seen the glaciers reducing in size and impact, as there is less snow cover (although this year the snow has increased which gives hope). Spring flooding impacts the communities below as the glaciers release the water from the ancient ice, then followed by the drying of pastures in the summer.
The Rhône Glacier 2,429 metres 1993
The Rhône Glacier 2,429 metres 2013
Within this almost overwhelming information and distraction, the mountains are still a place of comfort for the hiker, explorer and artist. Photos are powerful, and my responsibility as an artist is to share observations as widely as possible.
Thank you for joining me today on the first World Day of Glaciers 2025! The UN Trust Fund is proposed to support activities for glaciers’ preservation. I hope for progress on this subject, particularly its impact on wild spaces and communities. My annual exhibition will be in the UK at Guildford Cathedral, Surrey from 24 April to 27 May 2025. More to follow! I hope you can join me then.
Fi at the Riffelberg ~ www.fiphotos.org ~ Instagram @fialpine
Fi Photos, Alpine Photographer. All images reserved.