What is a solar utopia? Britta Johnson, artist and curator, posed that question to 12 regional film and video artists, asking them to respond with short videos that will be showcased online individually and as a compilation in January 2021.

The artists envisioning Solar Utopia’s for this project are Brent Watanabe, C. Davida Ingram, Clyde Petersen, Coley Mixan, D.K. Pan, Inye Wokoma, Satpreet Kahlon, Stefan Gruber, Susan Robb, Tracy Rector, Webster Crowell, and Wynne Greenwood. Britta Johnson will provide introductory and closing elements.

The project takes into consideration the limitations set by the current “Stay home, stay safe” order – work is being created on a small scale, with available gear and resources, and will include a variety of live-action and animation methods. Each artist will bring their own unique perspective in answering “What is a Solar Utopia?” and interweave themes from Seattle City Light’s mission into the work: sustainability, environmental stewardship, and renewable energy.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic and uprisings for racial justice have thrown many of our societal systems into question; now more than ever, it is necessary to envision possible futures and hope. Seattle is home to a small but powerful cluster of film and video artists who have at the core of their practice a commitment to imagination and utopia – manifesting the world they wish to live in.” notes curator Britta Johnson. “We can all learn from their example and bring our own contributions to this collective endeavor.”

This project is commissioned with Seattle City Light % for Art funds and Administered by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture.