As rapid advances in science and technology sweep across urban lifestyles, the Earth’s atmospheric structure changes dramatically. The Great Acceleration explores these alterations between humans and the earth. Kuwait artist Monira Al Qadiri presents a dreamy blue space of giant suspended cultured pearls in The Disturbance (2023). Visitors ponder on human intervention and the abuse of nature through the history of pearls and the oil industry.

Monira Al Qadiri, The Disturbance (rendering), 2023

Finally, the exhibition looks into viable options for the future that can redirect our perceptions on environmental consciousness more openly and sustainably in terms of intercultural diversity, digital innovation and spirituality. In The Future Is Within Us, Martha Atienza, born in Manila, Philippines to a sea captain, and a mother who worked in Holland American Line, rekindles her roots grounded on colonization and sea exploitation.

Martha Atienza, Adlaw sa mga Mananagat 2022 (Fisherfolks Day 2022), 2022, Production support: Han Nefkens Foundation, Mondriaan Fund, and Shane Akeroyd, Commission: The 17th Istanbul Biennial, Courtesy: Silverlens, Manila/New York

The silent video Adlaw sa mga Mananagat 2022 (Fisherfolks Day 2022) captures a parade scenery of fishermen and their boats while marine life remains under threat by real estate development, tourism, and commercial activity.

Mori Art Museum also takes initiative in partially reusing parts of display walls and wall panels from previous exhibitions, and abstaining from painted finishes. Recyclable plasterboards and other materials are also utilized to reduce waste. Through this effort, visitors may hopefully deepen their ecological and human values, particularly in today’s overstrained expansion of robotics and cyber technology.

Mori Art Museum 20th Anniversary Exhibition
Our Ecology: Toward a Planetary Living
Date: October 18th, 2023 – March 31st, 2024
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Tuesdays till 17:00 *except January 2nd and March 19th)
*Admission until 30 minutes before closing.
Place: Mori Art Museum
Address: 53F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 (0)47 316 2772 (Hello Dial, from overseas)
https://www.mori.art.museum