Justin Brice
Justin Brice aims to help people in industrial societies reconnect with the natural world. The large WE ARE THE ASTEROID sign is on view on MAAM's Arne Glimcher Plaza. Normally, solar-powered LED signs like these are seen on highways, giving instructions or warnings, such as DETOUR or CAUTION during road work. But here Brice has reprogrammed these signs to alert us about today's climate crisis. Passersby will see messages like WARNING: HIGH CO2; THERE IS NO AWAY; and GOODBYE ARCTIC ICE. These astute phrases remind people of our omnipresent and ever-expanding human footprint. Visitors to MAAM will get a lapel pin that reads WE ARE THE ASTEROID. This miniature sign serves as a conversation starter and as a reminder of the power we have to transform our planet, for better or worse.
Listen to the artist speak about what Displacement means to them.
Justin Brice. We Are the Asteroids II, 2019. Sandblasted solar-powered LED message board. Courtesy of the artist.
Justin Brice. WE ARE THE ASTEROID II installation view, 2024. Text, sandblasted solar-powered LED message board. Courtesy of the artist.