The Rich Will Survive

Architect and artist Adrien Tirtiaux provides a conversation about social problems through his art. As such, the artwork "The Rich Will Survive" is an example of how climate change affects people.Text: Etienne Boileau
Online editing: Mical Joseph

POPULATION PYRAMID

Originally trained as an architect, Adrien Tirtiaux (b. BE 1980) prefers to call himself an artist. In his installations and constructions, he attempts to interpret man's relationship to his environment while mapping socialization processes.For the IJsselbiennale 2021, Tirtiaux very insightfully summarized the humanitarian consequences of climate change in an impressive "population pyramid" that he titled The Rich Will Survive. With this artwork he delivered a highly critical commentary, because the vast majority of the earth's population will be affected first and most severely by the consequences of climate change. That unfortunate group is symbolically represented in the pyramid by the cheap building materials at the base. Further up, the materials used become more and more expensive and durable: the top of the pyramid appears to be made of gold, the bottom is made of a cheap type of wood. The rich of the earth (the expensive materials at the top of the pyramid) will literally and figuratively be able to keep their heads above water the longest, but only because they are supported by the layers below them. With this installation Adrien Tirtiaux depicts the humanitarian consequences of climate change in a clear but also confrontational way.
ADRIENTIRTIAUX.EU

LXRY LIST 2022

The annual book LXRY List 2022 casts a glance into the distance, where new opportunities shine. Entrepreneurship with a view to a better world. For example, Rewilding Europe is committed to helping disappearing species by making space for true wild nature. And De Apostelhoeve is taking advantage of global warming by growing wine on the hills of Limburg and gaining international recognition for it. In addition to these burgeoning economies, there is also a focus on sustainable initiatives. Like Cartier's new Tank Must, a watch that runs on solar energy. And a lamp against light pollution. But the list also includes an over-the-top hotel stay at Château Versailles. Après nous, le déluge? No, but even in the new world there may be room to enjoy and experience.

LXRY LIST 2022