As the climate crisis rages on, news about wildfires, droughts, heatwaves, and a looming water catastrophe dominate our feeds. The amount of doom surrounding the issue is such an increasing source of stress for modern humans that most of us would readily agree something should be done about it as soon as possible. Of course, the scale of the problem makes it difficult to figure out exactly what to do. Over the years, this has inspired many flashy public statements in the form of Extinction Rebellion marches, runway shows by the late Vivienne Westwood, and even, somehow, throwing food at art. While the goal of these efforts seems to be to spread awareness, each has been questioned for its success and sincerity. Moreover, the general response to most art about the climate isnât much different than looking at another terrifying news piece about it: okay, now what? And what does this do?
One recent showy attempt at addressing the uncomfortable truth of global warming comes in the form of The Undrinkable Can, an art object mass-produced by the anonymous creative group QSTNMRK? It attempts to take on Coca-Cola by designing a red can with no pop tab and no labelâ just the brandâs trademark white ribbon fashioned into a reaching hand met with a middle finger. But why? Coca-Cola is such a huge company that an abuse of power doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The ask isnât clear until looking at the back of the can, where the project announces its intention loudly with, âYES, YOUâRE FUCKED.â
