On March 9, 2021, a data center in Strasbourg caught fire, and millions of data files were irretrievably lost. This event made strikingly clear that the internet is by no means an immaterial space, but rather has a physical reality that is vulnerable. Images, videos, and documents appear to be permanently available and securely stored in the cloud. Yet the fire revealed how fragile this infrastructure actually is and what consequences data loss can have for personal memories. But which data is truly worth saving?

Cold Data emerged from this question. As part of an open call, participants were invited to reflect on their own digital legacy and select a single image from their personal archive: the one image that should be preserved if all other data were lost. The submitted images and written statements were archived on slide film—a storage medium that can last for over 1,000 years under proper conditions. Cold Data pursues the goal of creating an alternative archive that preserves personal experiences and individual memories independently of privately operated storage systems.

If you could preserve one image for eternity – which one would it be? And why?

More than 100 participants have taken part in this artistic experiment so far. The first edition, Cloud Unplugged, was presented in March 2025. The archive remains open and continues to grow: participation is still possible, and further editions will follow at irregular intervals as soon as enough new submissions have been received.