ANTHROPOCENE SOUVENIRS
Description
In the “Anthropocene Souvenirs” project, “natural objects” made of potassium hydroxide are 3D-printed. The potassium hydroxide is able to bind CO2 from the air. The white objects become tinted violet by an indicator after complete saturation. The transformation of these objects demonstrates that there is too much CO2 in the atmosphere and opens up a discussion about how we could react to the changes in the Anthropocene.What is the Topic?
The project is about how we as human beings want to take responsibility. We are the cause of a climate catastrophe, to which we have to look for answers. A speculative alternative to nature is being tested in the project. It is not a matter of finding a purely technical solution to the problem, but rather appeals to understand human reason that we cannot 100% replace the complexity of natural cycles.
Why does it look like this?
The 3D printed objects resemble cell structures. Therefore they take up the topic of nature and offer as much surface as possible to absorb CO2 on a technical level.
What is special?
The characteristic feature of the project is its complexity. On the one hand, there is a content-related examination of current and relevant topics and, on the other hand, a large experimental part in which new technical applications have been developed. This shows very strongly an inseparable connection between technical progress and contentual discussion.
What is new?
It is the first lime 3D print. Due to their chemical composition, the objects themselves have the property of storing CO2 and communicating their saturation state via a color change.
Link to Video