Art meets circular economy – Umicore supports art exhibition “Verspielt?” (Playful?) at Palmengarten Frankfurt

As a circular materials technology company focused on clean mobility and recycling, Umicore takes care to minimize its own environmental impact and protect valuable resources in its activities. In line with this, the company is supporting the art exhibition “Verspielt? – Roulette mit der Insekten- und Pflanzenwelt” (Playful? – Roulette with the insect and plant world), which will be on display at the Palmengarten Frankfurt from July 18 to October 6, 2024.. 

"Supporting the ‘Verspielt?’ exhibition is a matter close to Umicore's heart.
The art exhibition in the Palmengarten not only shows us the beauty of our world, but also its vulnerability. This reflection drives us all to take responsibility and actively contribute to protecting our environment.”

Dr. Bernhard Fuchs, CEO of Umicore AG & Co. KG. 

The exhibition, which was created in close collaboration with Dr. Nadja Tomoum, concept developer, curator, and co-fundraiser, and the Palmengarten Frankfurt, artistically addresses a pressing issue of our time: the alarming decline in insect and plant species. The Palmengarten's annual exhibition focuses on the beauty and wonder of the insect and plant world, often examining the structures, shapes, and colors of fragile creatures that are invisible to the naked eye.

Using various art media such as sculptures, video animations, sound art, photography, and painting, “Verspielt?” shows what is at stake for the world. More than 30 artists from Frankfurt and the surrounding area, several federal states, and abroad shed light on the topic from different perspectives.

The “roulette” of the exhibition is an allusion to the wheel of fortune and fate and refers to the great risks that people take. The circular shape also illustrates the eternal cycle of creation and decay as well as the interdependence in the ecological cycle, thus emphasizing the importance of the circular economy, in which recyclable metals play an indispensable role. Through the symbolic use of some of these metals in various exhibits, the exhibition creatively connects the importance of nature with the role of recyclable raw materials for our planet, while drawing attention to the pressing environmental problems facing humanity.

The exhibition is accompanied by a large art route in the outdoor garden and several greenhouses, as well as a varied cultural program with lectures, events, and educational programs for children, young people, and adults.

Further information about the exhibition is available on the websites www.umicore.de and www.palmengarten.de.