Why tidy my exhibition space when the whole world is in a mess?
Installation with 'green' objects, varying dimensions, 2013

The 80's Greenpeace slogan of which the title is an adaptation brings into mind a child questioning the parent on why it should obey cleaning rules when grownups fail to take their responsibility in the world. The idea is that example is better than precept. Environmental responsibility has been placed mainly in the hands of the individual consumer, opposed to being organised politically. The installation addresses the problem of the exemplary consumer, and alludes to the role of the artist.

This installation has been presented in different forms at different locations. The photos show the first installation in Künstlerhaus Bethanien, in Berlin, which was co-realized thanks to the Mondriaan Fund.
Photo: David Brandt