thomas medicus' public installation encloses 3D asteroid in cuboid scaffolding

‘We Are the Asteroid’ Examines Human Impact on Biodiversity

We Are the Asteroid is a public installation by Thomas Medicus, featuring a three-dimensional asteroid encased in a cuboid scaffolding structure. This artwork draws an analogy between human activities on Earth and the asteroid impact that led to the fifth mass extinction 66 million years ago. This event resulted in the disappearance of the dinosaurs and many other species.

The public installation highlights the ongoing human-induced extinction of animal species, a process that has accelerated dramatically in recent times, suggesting the imminent threat of a sixth mass extinction. The decline of wild animals caused by humans contrasts with an unimaginable number of industrially farmed animals, pointing to the expansion of agricultural land as a primary driver of the global biodiversity crisis. 

We Are the Asteroid stands in front of the Tyrolean Alps | all images by Alena Klinger

Thomas Medicus’ art encourages Reclaiming Land for Wildlife

Grazing land and the cultivation of animal feed account for the majority of these areas. As meat and milk production is very inefficient compared to plant-based food production, an end to animal livestock farming would free up to three quarters of all agricultural land as potential habitats for wildlife.

We Are the Asteroid critiques the unsustainable nature of industrial livestock farming promoting the idea of reclaiming agricultural land for wildlife habitats, and denounces this double lack of solidarity between humans and non-human animals. Designer Thomas Medicus encourages reflection on the future viability of current agricultural practices and advocates for a shift towards more sustainable and ecologically friendly food production systems.

We Are the Asteroid by Thomas Medicus features a 3D asteroid in a cuboid scaffolding structure

the textures of the installation are reworked photos taken by NASA’s Dawn space probe at the asteroid Vesta

the installation draws an analogy between human activities and the asteroid impact 66 million years ago

the installation highlights the ongoing human-induced extinction of animal species

We Are the Asteroid when exhibited at the museum Tirol Panorama in Innsbruck, Austria

detail of the rented scaffolding structure, which will be repurposed after the exhibition

detail of the digitally printed polyester mesh, made entirely from recycled PET bottles

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spectators looking at 'We Are The Asteroid' installation

the description boards hanging on the fence of the installation

one of six description boards hanging on the fence of the installation

one of six description boards hanging on the fence of the installation

project info:

name: We Are the Asteroid
designer: Thomas Medicus | @tomedicus

photography: Alena Klinger

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom