Anthropocite

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BACKGROUND Anthropocite is a public sculpture developed by collaborative group Open Spatial Workshop (OSW) comprising Scott Mitchell, Terri Bird and Bianca Hester. The work was commissioned for the Monash University Earth Sciences Garden and is part of the Monash University Museum of Art permanent collection. CONTRIBUTION Anthropocite responds to recent critical discussions surrounding the accumulated effects of human activity that are driving planetary transformations. Developed in conversation with Monash geological scientists, design practice RushWright Associates and Dermot Henry, Manager of the Natural Science Collections at Museum Victoria, the resulting public work manifests as a new rock type called 'anthropocite' and an associated video narrative: http://anthropocite.com. Innovative low-energy bluetooth beacons link the sculptural work to the video narrative. SIGNIFICANCE OSW was formed in 2002 and won the Melbourne Prize for urban sculpture in 2005. The group is significant in the arts industry for both its longevity and high quality of output.