Venice, May 29, 2013 - Girard-Perregaux, the Swiss Manufacture of Haute Horlogerie is pleased to sponsor the “Blue Forest” arts and environmental project, conceptualized by the artist and architect Lucio Micheletti and selected for the Venice Art Biennale to be held from June 1 to November 24, 2013.

Presented with Galleria Ca’ D’oro, this performance of Land Art, “Blue Forest”, hopes to raise visitors’ awareness of environmental issues through art. The trunks of the trees are wrapped in blue cloth, creating an eye-catching temporary landscape. This blue color found in nature but highlighted in a specific context impels the viewer to ask questions about the message the artist wanted to give. The trees’ appearance is modified in a simple way and the hope is to impress the viewer with how little it takes to change the environment, and how simple actions can save it.

“Blue Forest” transforms a scene in spectacular but short-lived fashion, respecting the ecological balance of the place, and using natural materials. The work of Lucio Micheletti sheds light on the changes impacting the environment, notes Michele Sofisti, CEO of Sowind (Girard-perregaux and jeanrichard). My hope is that by supporting this initiative, Girard-Perregaux will inspire people on the necessity to protect our planet.

The “Blue Forest” project joins some of Girard-Perregaux’s other similar responsible partnerships such as its association with Susan and David Rockefeller to raise awareness of the need to protect our environment and particularly our oceans, the FOReverglades limited edition with artists Cracking Art Group working to preserve the Everglades in Florida and recently its support of the “Tohoku Manufacture area” located in the Fukushima region in Japan that supports local artisans in their reconstruction efforts.

Lucio Micheletti’s pen drawings inspired by “Blue Forest” will be showcased in the windows of Girard-Perregaux sales outlets and customized to represent the views of the host cities.