Art and Wind Technology

I should say that I have a great affection for wind turbines. Not merely because they generate electricity from the wind (My friend Matt Harvey wrote in his poem ‘The Element in the Room’:

“the one thing we’ll never

run out of is weather

and the weather won’t ever - no not ever, EVER -

the weather won’t run out of puff”

Also, I love them because they bring to mind, the elegance of great design, the way change comes in gusts and flows, they show us invisible forces that affect our lives, perpetual spinning - yarn making - turning, community health and abundance - hope in the face of the impossible.

I remember thinking that putting up a wind turbine is somewhat like installing a public artwork.

Back in the day - An early job out of university at Devon Arts in Schools Initiative - I had the great privilege of working with lots of artists in schools exploring a huge variety of art practices - Lots has shaped me, but I recall for you now, a particular piece in Redhills Exeter that has hugely influenced me in countless ways over time - I WISH I could recall the artist’s name. (If you know please tell me!). I’ll describe the work for you.

The artist worked with school communities from 5 schools in the city, each school made countless red windmills which were then installed in a green space in the city - You could see it for miles. Visiting the field, gusts, tickles, flows of wind would send the windmills turning accompanied by a light tck-tck-tck-tck sound. It was completely magical. Something about the multi-sensory beauty, the generosity, the inclusivity, the connection to elemental forces….. 20 years on, I still think of it. Obviously, the memory of it changes as I change, the poetry of it shifts like all great poems, but it continues to energise and make meaning for me - This particular artwork nudged me to see that art can be like renewable energy for the soul.

Turning Turbines into Iconic Landmarks

Wind turbines have become a powerful symbol of the global shift toward renewable energy. Their sleek, towering forms now dot landscapes across the world, quietly generating power from nature's forces. But what if these turbines could be more than just functional structures? What if they could also be canvases for artistic expression, creating new cultural landmarks and making art accessible in unexpected ways?

Around the world, artists and communities are already experimenting with this idea, transforming wind turbines into vibrant works of art that inspire and engage. These projects are not only helping people reimagine wind energy but are also sparking conversations about how art and technology can come together to shape the future.

Glastonbury’s Link Turbine

At the iconic Glastonbury Festival in the UK, a wind turbine isn’t just generating energy—it’s also an integral part of the festival experience. The "Link Turbine" provides clean energy for the event while standing as a symbol of the festival’s commitment to sustainability. By integrating art and music with renewable energy, Glastonbury has shown how wind turbines can become cultural focal points, drawing attention not only to the power they generate but also to the creative possibilities they offer.

Painted Turbines in Portugal

In the WindArt project in Portugal, artists Joana Vasconcelos and Vhils (Alexandre Farto) brought together their distinct creative styles to transform two 100-meter-high wind turbines into monumental works of art. This project, commissioned by the developer Âncora Wind Energia Eólica SA, was a tribute to renewable energy and a celebration of the Douro Sul Wind Farm, located in the Moimenta da Beira region. Vasconcelos' design, Gone with the Wind, features vibrant, folk-inspired iconography, while Vhils wrapped his turbine with intricate textures representing nature and human observation​.

Their collaboration showcases how art can make renewable energy infrastructure more visually engaging and culturally meaningful. The project not only blends technological and environmental advancements but also highlights the possibility of transforming wind turbines into artistic landmarks. Such initiatives could turn wind turbines into iconic destinations, fostering tourism and public appreciation of both art and sustainability​

These artistic endeavors also open up discussions about the future of wind turbines as canvases for public art, potentially making art more accessible by moving it outside traditional galleries. With public engagement and support, wind farms could become cultural hubs, blending art, sustainability, and community involvement.

Gale and Gusto the Painted Turbine in Australia

Hepburn Wind, Australia’s first community-owned wind farm, consists of two turbines named Gale and Gusto. These names were chosen through a competition that invited community members to submit their ideas. The project reflects a deep sense of local involvement, demonstrating how communities can take ownership of renewable energy projects, not just financially but also culturally. Located near Daylesford, Victoria, the Hepburn Wind farm is a pioneering example of how grassroots renewable energy can thrive with community support and creative engagement.

This initiative has helped foster a sense of pride and connection among locals, turning Gale and Gusto into more than just power generators—they’ve become symbols of the community’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Similar to other art and wind turbine collaborations, this kind of local involvement has the potential to turn wind turbines into cultural landmarks that resonate with the public on a deeper level.

Does the Color of Wind Turbines Affect Bird Strike?

A common concern about wind turbines is their potential impact on bird populations. While some worry that brightly colored or artistically painted turbines might increase bird strikes, studies have shown that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, recent research suggests that certain colors, such as black markings on turbine blades, can actually reduce bird collisions by making the turbines more visible to birds in flight. Though more studies are needed, this opens up the possibility that artistic designs on turbines could potentially be beneficial to wildlife as well as visually engaging for humans.

Could All Wind Turbines Become Canvases for Art?

The idea of transforming every wind turbine into a piece of public art is an exciting one. Imagine wind farms across the world where each turbine is uniquely designed by local artists, turning once-industrial landscapes into outdoor galleries. This could democratise art, making it more accessible to everyone, as turbines stand in both urban and rural areas, visible to passersby rather than hidden away in traditional galleries.

Art on turbines could also strengthen the connection between communities and their renewable energy projects. By giving people a sense of ownership and pride in the aesthetic of local wind farms, these installations could help reduce opposition to new developments, making clean energy more palatable to wider audiences.

Wind Turbines as Iconic Destinations and Tourist Trails

There’s also the potential for wind turbines to become destinations in their own right. Much like how street art and sculptures draw tourists to specific locations, wind turbines could become attractions on an "art-and-wind" trail, encouraging people to explore renewable energy sites through the lens of art. In fact, many already see wind turbines as futuristic, otherworldly structures that add a striking element to the landscape. Turning these structures into art could elevate them into must-see landmarks.

In regions like Portugal and Australia, turbines are already becoming part of the cultural and environmental identity of the landscape. Imagine a trail of artistically painted turbines weaving through a region—each one telling its own story, offering a new perspective on art, energy, and the natural world. These iconic installations could attract visitors, creating opportunities for tourism and education around renewable energy, all while supporting local artists and communities.

A Future Where Art and Wind Energy Combine

Projects like Glastonbury’s Link Turbine, the painted turbines in Portugal, and Gale in Australia are just the beginning of what could be a global trend in combining art and renewable technology. As the world moves toward a future powered by clean energy, there is tremendous potential to bring art into the fold, turning wind turbines into more than just functional structures.

By merging creativity with sustainability, we can make wind turbines symbols of both technological progress and artistic expression—landmarks that inspire, educate, and connect people with the world of renewable energy. Could wind turbines one day be the next great art movement, standing as iconic destinations for communities and tourists alike?

Turbine Blades as artworks in themselves

In 2017, the arts group Platform played a major role in turning wind energy into a thought-provoking public spectacle. One of the key projects was the installation of a giant wind turbine blade in Hull's Queen Victoria Square as part of the UK's City of Culture celebrations. Created by artist Nayan Kulkarni, this 75-meter-long Siemens rotor blade, titled Blade, was placed in the heart of the city, transforming an industrial artifact into an artistic symbol of Hull's cultural and economic renewal.

This was no easy task—transporting the massive blade required careful planning and coordination with local authorities, engineers, and logistics teams. Once installed, Blade became a focal point, drawing crowds and sparking conversations about renewable energy and the city's role in the emerging green economy. The project highlighted Hull’s industrial legacy while showcasing the city’s potential in the future of wind power production​

Platform also delivered a similar project in Tate Modern, making bold statements about the intersection of art, energy, and public space. By integrating renewable energy symbols like wind turbine blades into high-profile locations, these installations invite reflection on how we engage with the sources of power that will shape our future.

Both projects are part of a broader movement to use public art as a platform for dialogue about renewable energy, encouraging communities to rethink their relationship with the environment while celebrating technological advancements.