-162 °C, 450 kg/m³ Fossile Energy, Fragile Futures

For overseas transportation, natural gas must be cooled down to -162°C, liquefied, and compressed to a density of 450kg/m³. The different materials and substances that play a role in energy production stand front and center in the exhibition -162°C, 450kg/m³ – Fossil Energy, Fragile Futures. It explores ongoing dependence on fossil fuels, environmental devastation, and the urgent question of securing a liveable future for everyone.

Wilhelmshaven is currently a locus of German “energy security”, which is being tackled at an unprecedented speed labeled Deutschlandgeschwindigkeit. It was here that, in 2022, Germany’s first terminal for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) opened, and thus far it has been receiving shipments primarily from the US. This LNG terminal forms the prelude to a series of infrastructure projects intended to turn the region into a future energy hub. These are accompanied by massive incursions into the local environment and ecosystems, parts of which are protected by conservation law.

Through the medium of photography, textiles, drawing, sculpture, installations, videos, and books, the works in the exhibition examine the use of natural gas, oil, and coal and show forms of resistance to energy projects that are harmful to both the environment and the climate. From mythical tales to holes in the earth to glowing rocks, the exhibition also explores post-mining landscapes and resource extraction. Lithium, for example, is becoming increasingly significant in the “energy transition” as a raw material for batteries.

In addition to the exhibition, and in cooperation with local partners, there will be performances, talks, and guided excursions. A bilingual catalog is in the works.

Artists: Ayọ̀ Akínwándé, Ana Alenso, Andrew Castrucci, Marjolijn Dijkman, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Sonja Hornung & Daniele Tognozzi, Pepa Ivanova, Susanne Kriemann, Bram Kuypers, Rachel O’Reilly, Oliver Ressler, Miriam Sentler und Joel Sherwood Spring

Partners: BUND Kreisgruppe Wilhelmshaven, Landesbühne Niedersachsen Nord, NABU Wilhelmshaven, Netzwerk Energiedrehscheibe

Curator: Lena Johanna Reisner