More-Than-Planet: Visions for a Life in a New Geological Epoch?

The “More-Than-Planet: Visions for a Life in a new Geological Epoch?” exhibition and its satellite events aim to contribute to the debate on whether or not to enter the new geological epoch of the Anthropocene, discussed this year by the International Commission on Stratigraphy of the International Union of Geological Sciences. The Anthropocene is characterized by the advent of humans as the main force of change on Earth, surpassing geophysical forces.

The geological reference point chosen to support the entry into this possible new era is Crawford Lake, in Ontario, Canada. Key markers for its onset include radionuclides traces from atomic tests, carbon particles from fossil fuels, as well as nitrates and fertilizers – all traces of human activities from the 1950s, detected in sediments at the bottom of the water column of the Lake Crawford. But the Anthropocene does not necessarily start with the so-called “Great Acceleration” that followed World War II. We can root the human impact at a geological level on our planetary system with the significant acceleration enabled by colonization from the 15th Century onwards.

A team of artists and researchers comes together for the exhibition, combining artistic and scientific methods to explore the significance of declaring the new geological epoch and to develop collective approaches to addressing the multiple crises characteristic of the Anthropocene. The exhibition presents interdisciplinary research results, art and science field notes, as well as art installations.

As an associated program of this exhibition the More-Than-Planet Lab will propose this spring a series of project presentations, workshops, conferences and performances at Awareness in Art & Löwenbräu, Bitwäscherei hackerspace and in other partner venues as well as in the public space. This series is organised with the support of Pro Helvetia’s Synergies program and the European Union’s Creative Europe program. The aim is to deepen our understanding of the planet, raise awareness of pressing issues and foster a sense of collective belonging. The series of events will explore speculative deep-time research, showcase regenerative practices, and introduce situational knowledge from local communities on the following topics (and more): White Geology vs. Black Anthropocenes, Living Soils, and Extraction and Geological Power Claims.