As part of the Bolzano Art Weeks (BAW), the works of unibz professor Kuno Prey will be exhibited in the greenhouses of Floricoltura Schullian. Together with the South Tyrolean start-up promis, the artist follows a clear motto: rethinking our way of consuming.
468 original Formanotre toothbrushes sculptures, the artwork: “an-gestachelt” (~ incited) by Kuno Prey, professor of Product Design at unibz, will be exhibited in the greenhouses of Floricoltura Schullian in Bolzano as part of the “Bolzano Art Weeks” (BAW ) from September 23, 2022 to October 2, 2022. The sculptures were created with the valuable support of the South Tyrolean start-up promis. A special feature: The toothbrushes are all used.
The artwork was preceded by a promis collection campaign together with dental centers Mirò, Dental First e Dental Center Human . promis sells sustainable products for dental hygiene and wanted to emphasize its corporate philosophy dedicated to environmental protection: since December 2021, the company has been collecting used toothbrushes in bins specially designed and placed in the offices of the respective dental centers.
500 toothbrushes as a metaphor for the climate crisis
However, this initiative has collected more than 3000 used toothbrushes, of which 500 were captured by Prof. Prey in a work of art with a cautionary message.
"Cacti have sharp spines and thrive in a very hot and dry climate. Some of the consequences of the impending climate crisis, partly already present, create the ideal habitat for cacti. These toothbrush-like spined cacti aim to draw attention to the recklessness of our consumer behavior, to 'sting' us and make us reflect," explains Prey. A meaningful metaphor for the current climate crisis and also an unintentionally timely statement, given the water shortage in spring and summer that has also affected South Tyrol.
Sustainability is more important than profit
“We turned to the language of art. It is a unique means of communication that touches us in ways different from advertising and leaves a deeper impression,” says Nora Gallmetzer, co-founder of promis and “patron” of the sculpture.
The BAW will take place from September 23, 2022, to October 2, 2022. During the event, art exhibitions will be organized throughout the city of Bolzano. Among the exhibition venues will be the greenhouses of the Floricoltura SchullianOn 26.09, Professor Prey will be on site from 5:00 PM to explain his work in more detail to those interested.