Temporarily Out of Place

Viewing our reality with optimism means recognizing that another future is possible but not guaranteed. We live in an anthropogenic era, where human decisions, whether political, economic, technological or cultural, carry consequences on a planetary scale. Efficiency and productivity have become the most valuable assets in the golden age of capitalism. We can no longer ignore the fact the design of products is a major contributor to and a beneficiary of our current environmental crisis. As production and consumption accelerate, we must rethink dominant models and engage in meaningful collaboration with materials. Not to reduce waste after the fact, but to prevent it through deeper understanding and responsible making. Above all, as creative minds, we face a moral responsibility in choosing how our practice contributes to the current environmental crisis. What role does art play in changing the landscape of the production and consumption market? Could art offer insights into alternative models of materiality and circularity that challenge today’s efficiency and economy-driven society and spur change? While it is not up to the artist to solve global problems, their work and often their foresight can help illuminate complex issues and inspire new ways of thinking. The artists in this exhibition show that taking decisive action leads to significant impact, inspiring us to take the first step ourselves.