The international design collective Formafantasma invites young and old alike to engage their critical reflection through a book
Press presentation of the book The Down Under by Formafantasma – May 23 at 11 am.
In collaboration with C-mine, the collective presents The Down Under: The Curious Fall of a Boy Who Knew Nothing and Becomes Everything, a remarkable children’s book about nature, landscapes, and the human perspective.
Fieldworkers
The Down Under: The Curious Fall of a Boy Who Knew Nothing and Becomes Everything is the result of the residency and artistic research of the internationally renowned design duo Formafantasma, founded by Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. In collaboration with Louise Osieka, director of C-mine, and scientists from various disciplines, the collective explored the meaning and future of Belgium's post-industrial landscapes. Particular attention was paid to the slag heaps of Limburg—artificial hills formed by mining waste.
The coal mines of Genk as a starting point
This project, born from a series of conversations with geologists, entomologists, and microbiologists, evolved into a children’s book that also serves as a transgenerational educational tool. The Down Under invites us to rethink our relationship with nature, the landscape, and the human gaze.
In landscapes marked by human activity and industrial exploitation — and then abandoned — life persists. Nature reclaims, adapts, and transforms in ways that challenge our ideas of emptiness and decay. The design collective saw in the former coal mines of Genk, where the effects of human impact on the environment are strikingly visible, an ideal opportunity to expand the discourse.
It’s not humans, but thriving ecosystems that take center stage
Rather than adopting the traditional human-centered perspective, The Down Under offers an alternative view of our relationship with nature. This story — a playful yet profound fable — invites children and adults to stop viewing post-industrial areas as empty ruins or resources to exploit, but instead as thriving ecosystems, full of life.
"Thanks to this dual narrative — one aimed at children, the other more critical and scientific for adults — The Down Under encourages reflection at different stages of life, with the ambition of functioning both as a children’s book and as a transgenerational educational tool."
— Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, founders of Formafantasma
The illustrations by Clément Vuillier reinforce this vision through images inspired by scientific methods such as petrography and SEM scans. They poetically reveal the beauty and complexity of these «forgotten» landscapes.
« Formafantasma was inspired by influential designers like Enzo Mari and Bruno Munari, both of whom explored the role of design in education and child development. In 2023, we presented a retrospective exhibition at C-mine dedicated to the groundbreaking work of Enzo Mari. While Mari abstracts nature into pure forms, The Down Under takes a posthumanist perspective, questioning how we represent and understand nature»
— Louise Osieka, director of C-mine
Scientific Approach
The book concludes with an analytical section in which scientific insights and a critical essay by Teresa Castro pave the way for deeper reflection — a real added value for parents, teachers, designers, and researchers.
« In these times of climate crisis and ecological awareness, The Down Under calls for slow observation and a deeper connection with our environment. It affirms that even in the absence of humans, landscapes continue to evolve and generate life. With this book, C-mine aims not only to reach young readers, but also to encourage a broader audience to pay attention to what often remains invisible, yet is no less essential »,
— concludes Mayor Wim Dries.
During the press presentation on May 23, Formafantasma will explain their research and creative process. For the occasion, an installation has been designed: a carpet printed with an SEM image, accompanied by two wooden coffee tables bearing the same motif. These visual elements will be used on stage during the evening presentation, and will later be reused during children’s reading sessions.
The public presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by Amélie Rombauts. Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin will officially unveil the book and share the behind-the-scenes of their creative approach.
The book is priced at 35 euros, available notably at the C-mine shop. It is published in English, with a Dutch addendum, by Nero Editions.
About Formafantasma
Formafantasma is a research-based design studio that explores the ecological, historical, political, and social influences shaping contemporary design. The duo has collaborated with brands such as Flos, Prada, Bulgari, Artek, and Vitra. Their work has been exhibited at the Fondation Cartier, the Rijksmuseum, the Serpentine, and the Venice Biennale. The mining landscape of Genk fits seamlessly within the studio’s practice and naturally served as the starting point for their research.
Press Presentation of the Book The Down Under by Formafantasma
23 May 2025 – 11am
Visitor reception, C-mine, Genk
Program
- 10:45 am : Welcome at the C-mine Visitors’ Center
- 11:00 am : Welcome speech by Mayor Wim Dries at multifunctional space, C-mine
- 11:15am : Presentation of the book by Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, designers and founders of Formafantasma
With the support of the Flemish Government
Some images to illustrate the book
