AGE OF MAN exhibition by Form&Seek

Curated by Bilge Nur Saltik and Rive Roshan.

 

There is a growing consensus today, that we are living in an age where the earth has been so deeply impacted by humanity, that a new geologic epoch–the Anthropocene–needs to the declared. The Anthropocene, or the ‘Age of Man’ is believed to have begun in the year 1950, and can be visualized as a distinct and heavy footprint on the earth. Furthermore, this footprint has been etched and defined by the prickly residues of our industrialization, technological advancement, and rampant consumer culture.

 

This realization has triggered a growing awareness in our society, with a focus on the consequences of our actions. And among those who are reflecting on their roles most deeply today, are designers and artists. 

 

Going one step further than reflection and response, they are in fact using this awareness as a springboard for new, progressive design aimed for the future. They are seizing this opportunity to shift attitudes and cultures, to work most efficiently and globally, with open-borders, and to use familiar technology in new and thought-provoking ways.

 

This supports the belief that designers are well-aligned to play a leading role in shaping our future attitude towards natural resources, production processes and the consumption of goods. And it is this belief, that is at the heart of Form&Seek’s ‘Age of Man’ exhibit, where the talented and diverse collective of designers and artists will present their compelling visions for the future, and design solutions that are best suited for our age.

 

'In a response to the growing awareness of the consequences of our actions we think that as designers we can play a leading role in shaping our future attitudes towards natural resources, production processes and the consumption of goods.'

 

From existing works curated and selected for this exhibition, to entirely new design, created exclusively for the ‘Age of Man,' the Form&Seekers’ work explores themes that are both rooted in the past and racing towards the future. 

 

They span from innovation sparked by unexpected materials such as human hair, to sculptural objects that breathe new life into a timeless and inherently sustainable material such as Terrazzo. Several designs share the intent to investigate the relationship between rapidly evolving digital fabrication and craft; while others seek to revive and draw from ancient rituals, and even theories surrounding primitive architecture.

 

The design objects and works of art in this exhibit expose many, varying perspectives of the 'Age of Man.' Some seek to incite curiosity and inquiry, and embrace future technology; while others deliberately intend to slow us down– to pause and reflect, but also to appreciate and capitalize on what we already have, in terms of cultural and design resources.