Toxic relationships, toxic workplaces or toxic securities: In everyday language, the use of the term has spread to many areas of life. ‘Toxicity’ is originally derived from the Latin word toxicum and means ‘(arrow) poison’.
The Triennial is about toxic habitats, i.e. habitats contaminated or poisoned by industrial production, environmental disasters, resource extraction, waste or wars. The longevity of environmental damage contrasts with the short-lived nature of military successes or industrial products. The contaminated areas abandoned by humans gradually develop new ecosystems, which are referred to as so-called ‘third landscapes’. They have been shaped by human activities and nature together, but are neither completely controlled by human civilisation, nor entirely wild and untouched. These include wastelands, industrial ruins, roadsides and other places where nature is reasserting itself. In the case of toxic habitats, however, the aspect of total habitat loss, which precedes any possible regeneration, must also be considered.
Separated by plastic sheeting, the area of toxic habitats is the next station on the trail. Here, the consequences of the ruthless powerpolitical and economic exploitation of nature and its environments become visible. Environmental pollution, the destruction caused by war and pandemics are the themes. This section of the exhibition makes it possible to experience the consequences of looking at landscape exclusively as a resource for industry and politics.