As part of Bolzano Art Weeks (BAW), works by unibz professor Kuno Prey will be exhibited in the greenhouses of Schullian Floriculture. Together with South Tyrolean start-up promis, the artist follows a clear motto: rethink the way we consume.
468 toothbrushes form original sculptures, the artwork: "an-gestachelt" (~ incited) by Kuno Prey,professor of product design at unibz, will be exhibited in the greenhouses of Schullian Floriculture in Bolzano as part of the"Bolzano Art Weeks" (BAW) from September 23, 2022 to October 2, 2022. The sculptures were created with valuable support from South Tyrolean start-up promis. A special feature:the toothbrushes are all used.
The artwork was preceded by apromis collection campaigntogether with dental centersMiró,Dental FirsteDental Center Human. promis sellssustainable dental hygiene productsand wanted to emphasize its corporate philosophy dedicated to environmental protection: from December 2021, the company will collect used toothbrushes in specially designed bins placed in the offices of the respective dental centers.
500 toothbrushes as a metaphor for the climate crisis
However, this initiative brought together more than 3,000 used toothbrushes, 500 of which were immortalized by Prof. Prey in a work of art with a warning character.
"Cacti have sharp spines and thrive in a very hot and dry climate. Some of the consequences of the impending climate crisis, some of which are already present, create the ideal habitat for cacti. These cacti with thorns like toothbrushes are meant to draw attention to the thoughtlessness of our consumer behavior, to 'sting' us and make us think," Prey explains. A meaningful metaphor for the current climate crisis and also an unintentionally topical statement, given the spring and summer water shortages that have also affected South Tyrol.
Sustainability is more important than profit
"We turned to the language of art. It's a unique medium that touches us on fronts other than advertising and leaves a deeper impression," says Nora Gallmetzer, promis co-founder and sculpture "patron."
BAW will take place from September 23, 2022 to October 2, 2022. Art exhibitions will be held throughout the city of Bolzano during the event. Exhibition venues will include the greenhouses of theSchullian Floriculture. On Sept. 26, Professor Prey will be on site from 5 p.m. to explain his work in more detail to interested parties.