Formafantasma’s new exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum

From February 15th to July 13th, 2025, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam will host Oltre Terra, an exhibition by the Italian design studio Formafantasma. The show delves into the complex history, ecology, and global impact of wool production, focusing on its relationship with the biological evolution of sheep. The title, derived from the etymology of the word “transhumance,” reflects the exhibition’s transdisciplinary approach, developed through collaborations with a diverse group of experts including designers, anthropologists, evolutionists, and farmers.

In Oltre Terra, Formafantasma reimagines the traditional diorama, often used in natural history museums, to present a dynamic setting that includes seven life-size reproductions of various sheep breeds, including the Dutch Drents Heideschaap. The exhibition explores the evolving relationship between humans and sheep, highlighting the ethical and economic implications of wool extraction. Through this innovative approach, the boundaries between human-made products and biological materials are blurred, inviting viewers to reconsider their connections to the world around them.

One of the key highlights of the exhibition is Tactile Afferents, a video co-produced with artist Joanna Piotrowska, which uses the sense of touch as a lens to explore co-domestication. The film emphasizes the tender yet complex relationship between species, presenting both its beauty and violence. Oltre Terra also features a woolen carpet by cc-tapis, made from coarser wool fibers sourced from twelve rustic Italian sheep breeds, demonstrating the repurposing of materials often discarded as low-grade. Additionally, recycled wool bales from Manteco are integrated into the exhibition’s design, further emphasizing the sustainability of wool as a resource.