Future Remains: A Cabinet of Curiosities for the Anthropocene

Past and present-day objects can offer clues to the intertwined human and natural histories that shape our planetary futures. Future Remains is a meditation on these questions, featuring fifteen objects that resemble the tarots of a fortuneteller and speak of planetary futures. The book interrogates the origins, implications, and potential dangers of the Anthropocene and makes us wonder anew about what exactly human history is made of.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 20 April 2018
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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The Anthropocene, the age of humans, can be understood through a variety of objects and artifacts. Paleontologists study fossil remains to understand past conditions of life on Earth, and similarly, objects from the past and present can provide insights into the intertwined human and natural histories that shape our planet's future. In the context of aggressive hydrocarbon extraction, extreme weather, and severe economic disparity, certain objects can reveal the complex interplay of economic, material, and social forces that govern relationships between humans and nonhuman beings.

Future Remains, a thoughtful and creative exploration of these questions, presents a collection of fifteen objects that resemble the tarots of a fortuneteller rather than archaeological finds. The book is curated by Marco Armiero, Robert S. Emmett, and Gregg Mitman, who have assembled a cabinet of curiosities for the Anthropocene. It includes lively essays, creatively chosen objects, and stunning photographs by acclaimed photographer Tim Flach.

Through these diverse elements, Future Remains interrogates the origins, implications, and potential dangers of the Anthropocene, challenging our understanding of human history and inspiring us to wonder anew about the complex tapestry of our past and present. The objects presented in the book serve as a reminder that the Anthropocene is not just a geological epoch but a cultural and social one, shaped by the actions and choices of human beings. They remind us that our future is not predetermined but is shaped by the choices we make today and the legacy we leave for future generations.

In conclusion, Future Remains is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the Anthropocene and its implications for our planet. By presenting a diverse range of objects and perspectives, the book encourages us to think critically about the past, present, and future and to consider the ways in which human and natural histories are intertwined. It is a testament to the power of creativity and inquiry to shed light on the complex challenges we face in the 21st century and to inspire us to work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

\n Weight: 436g\n
Dimension: 231 x 178 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226508795\n \n