For the exhibition “Countdown to Mass Extinction,” set up at the Museum Ladin in San Martino in Badia, we curated the exhibition concept and graphic design. The exhibition explores the link between the Perm mass extinction and current climate challenges. Through an immersive and visually engaging journey, the exhibition culminates in a call to action, emphasizing how today’s emissions could lead to devastating consequences similar to those of the past.
The visual identity of the exhibition revolves around a strong symbol: an hourglass combined with an X, representing both the relentless passage of time and the inevitable end. This symbol not only evokes the race against time to protect the planet but also underscores the urgency of understanding the natural processes that threaten biodiversity. The color palette directly references nature: neon red represents the destructive energy of volcanic eruptions, brown recalls the memory of fossils, while deep, dramatic black infuses gravity and urgency. The typography, chosen for its versatility, adds scientific rigor and modernity, guiding visitors through a clear and impactful visual experience.
The exhibition design has been conceived to immerse visitors in a powerful narrative, divided into two rooms. The architectural choice focused on the triangle, a shape that conveys a sense of alertness and danger. As a primordial and hostile symbol, the triangle represents the interdependence between past, present, and future, also serving as a direct reference to the volcanoes that triggered the mass extinction 252 million years ago. From a design perspective, developed in collaboration with Studio Nine, the triangle offers ideal modularity and flexibility for organizing the exhibition space, creating a dynamic and engaging pathway.
Credits: Gustav Willeit - Museum Ladin
In the second room of the exhibition, the present and future collide. Here, thanks to the innovative use of artificial intelligence, we have surpassed the limits of human knowledge by reconstructing fossils and shells from the Permian that have never been seen before. The AI, trained with the support of curator Herwig Prinoth, has revived a world that has been gone for over 250 million years, offering an extraordinary view of what once was. This powerful simulation tool intertwines with an immersive video that links the devastations of the Permian extinction to today’s climate emergencies. The final message leaves no room for indifference: the past warns us, and the future depends on our immediate actions. Artificial intelligence becomes not only a cutting-edge technology but also a sentinel showing us the risks of our inertia.
Exhibition opening dates 15/06/2024 - 03/11/2024
Museum Ladin
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