Future Nature

The Australian Design Centre’s exhibition Future Nature is presented in partnership with the Australian Museum. Future Nature explores possible futures posed by artists, designers and architects inspired by biology and the natural world.

Mapping the collisions of art, science, and design, Future Nature explores the roots of scientific curiosity and exploration – taking things apart, examining them, and reforming them anew.

Describing the goals for the exhibition, Future Nature’s creative producer Tom Rivard said that the vision was to create “a space in which you can wander, and that engages your curiosity. I want people to step inside each cabinet but also inside the head of the artist themselves.”

“I want us all to act like kids in the exhibition.”

Artworks featured in the exhibition will be displayed in contemporary cabinets of curiosity. Artists include Keith Armstrong, Tegan Brain & Jodi Newcombe, Justin Cawley, Eggpicnic, Alan Giddy, Natalie Jeremijenko, Pierre Proske, Dagmar Reinhardt, and Sue Anne Ware.

Each exhibiting designer has had access to the extensive archives, collections, and backrooms of the 188-year-old Australian Museum. The artworks, objects and installations that have been produced for Future Nature range from a reimagining of the Museum’s famous Long Gallery to an interactive soundscape of frog communications and 3D-printed coral ecosystems.

From 26 May at the Australian Design Centre, two designers-in-residence, Eggpicnic and Justin Cawley have been sharing their creative process with the public in the lead up to the exhibition launch. Over a three-month period, each designer has been visiting the Australian Museum and drawing inspiration from the priceless collections hidden within.

Future Nature Highlights

Get hands on with Future Nature by tapping into a dynamic offering of public programs.

8 September, 6-8pm

The Gold Club: Bringing Back Style

The second in our Gold Club series, this panel discussion will examine how our changing lifestyles inform and influence our spaces. Bringing Back Style asks the questions about how we embed our lifestyles into our future spaces, both inside and out. Hosted by The Snap Assembly‘s Anne-Maree Sargeant, and featuring a line-up of design luminaries including Babette Hayes, Jacqui Clayton, Liane Rossler, and Robyn Holt, this talk is presented as part of Sydney Design 2015.

22 September, 9:30-11:30am and 1:30-3:30pm

‘We Are Nature’ School Holiday Workshops

Featuring two workshops led by Future Nature designers Eggpicnic and Dagmar Reinhardt, We Are Nature is for kids aged 8-12 who want to get their hands dirty making models and imagining future worlds. Our designers will be sharing their creative thinking skills with kids and encouraging them to engage in the natural world in new and creative ways.

24 September, 6-8pm

Designers Den: Future Nature Edition

Join us for the return of the highly entertaining Designers Den. Driven by designs inspired by the natural world, three hand-picked designers will receive feedback from a diverse judging panel of industry experts.