Traces from the Anthropocene. Working with Soil

Exhibition in Beta space, Otaniemi, Espoo 10.9.–26.9.2019.

Traces from the Anthropocene. Working with Soil is a multidisciplinary research project that addresses the ecological consequences of the human footprint through ceramic art. The project took place before and during the Research Pavilion in the context of the Venice Biennale 2019. As ceramists traditionally work with local earth, the research is situated in the local environment of the Biennale, the Venice lagoon area.

During the process, local soil was gathered and then analyzed for anthropogenic contaminants. Local brick clay was used to create large ceramic forms, and finally, the analyzed, contaminated soil was used to paint the ceramic vessels. In this project, craft making is understood as a philosophical space to think through the ethical and ecological concerns related to the stage of the environment.

This project has been a collaboration between the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Chemical Engineering and the Finnish Environmental Institute SYKE.

Working group: The research is conducted by an international group of artist-researchers led by Aalto University:: Maarit Mäkelä, professor, project leader, Riikka Latva-Somppi, artist-researcher, curator, Priska Falin, artist-researcher , Pauliina Purhonen and Tzuyu Chen research assistants (all Aalto University).

Catharina Kajander, artist, Aalto University alumna, Ozgu Gundeslioglu, Akdeniz University, Turkey, Hannu Revitzer, Aalto University.

The Finnish Environment Institute SYKE : Jussi Reinikainen, Senior research scientist, Outi Pyy, Leading expert, Ulla Ala-Ketola and Hannele Ahponen, Communications specialists. Exhibition assistant: Aalto University MA student Hanna Kutvonen.