International design collective Formafantasma creates an illustrated book in collaboration with C-mine
Save the Date – Press launch of book ‘The Down Under’ by Formafantasma - 23 May, 11am
On Friday 23 May at 11am, C-mine is organising the press launch of the book ‘The Down Under’ by Formafantasma, an internationally renowned design collective founded by Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. That evening, the book will also be presented to the general public at C-mine with a talk by the two founders.
Formafantasma is a research-based design studio exploring the ecological, historical, political and social influences that shape ‘design’ today. They have already worked with brands such as Flos, Prada, Bulgari, Artek and Vitra, and their work has been exhibited at Fondation Cartier, Rijksmuseum, Serpentine and at the Venice Biennale. Genk's mining landscape fits entirely within the studio's practice and therefore formed the basis of the research.
The result of the assignment at C-mine, with the support of the Flemish Government, is an illustrated (children's) book ‘The Down Under - The Curious Fall of a Boy Who Knows Everything and Becomes Everything’ that highlights the complex relationship between humans, the environment and other organisms. The starting point of the book is the Genk coal mines, where the effects of human activity on the environment are visible. By revisiting these post-industrial landscapes, Formafantasma aims to highlight the diversity of life and the new ecosystems created there.
The project aims to address themes such as ecology and the role of humans within different ecosystems, using an illustrated fable as its narrative basis. That choice was simple for Formafantasma: an alternative narrative that focuses not on humans but on other organisms, and a form that can be understood by both adults and children. Thus, the children's book also becomes a cross-generational educational tool.
Practical information
Press presentation of the book ‘The Down Under’ by Formafantasma
23 May 2025, 11am
Designcentrum C-mine, Genk
Programme
Formafantasma will also present a special setting that will be used to showcase the book during the press moment and during a talk on stage in the evening. This setting provides a visual context for the themes and emphasises the importance of ecological awareness.
Some images to illustrate the book
