Without a crystal ball
Thematically, the exhibition "Sampling the future" at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Melbourne is divided into two sections – the near and the far future of our environment. While the exhibits of the near future thus focus on climate change, ecological pollution and the loss of biodiversity, the works of the far future show as a meta-level questions about our dependence on natural resources from the thematic fields of philosophy, history and mythology. The show combines works from the NGV's own collection with previously unpresented projects.
A room-filling, 3D-printed system made of ceramics was specially commissioned for the exhibition. It is similar in structure to natural corals and is intended to contribute to the recovery of the damaged marine ecosystems in the world's oceans. Industrial designer Alex Goad, founder of the Reef Design Lab, conceived the modular structure together with his team. "Unclear Cloud" by Prof. Roland Snooks and sound artist Philip Samartzis, on the other hand, visualises, for example, the environmental impact of the virtual data storage facilities, for whose service large amounts of energy are consumed. Parallel to the experimental works, which are dedicated to current challenges of our present and near future, "Sampling the future" also questions our value systems, rituals and beliefs in the sense of the distant future. The film "Aurum" by Georgia Nowak and Eugene Perepletchikov thus shows the change in social processes due to the increasing demand for the material gold. "Through the work of leading designers and architects, this exhibition gives audiences an exciting glimpse our many possible futures – both real and imagined. The designers in this exhibition are using their ideas and skills to create objects, environments and images that expand our understanding of design, as well as to raise philosophical questions about how people in a distant future might make sense of today," says Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. (am)
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
"Sampling the future"
5 November 2021 to 6 February 2022
Federation Square, Flinders St &, Russell St
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australien
Free entry
