The Whole Earth exhibition explores NASA image's impact on California counterculture

The exhibition titled Whole Earth explores the impact of NASA's famous image of Earth on California's counterculture, transitioning the emphasis from space exploration to self-examination. Curated by Diedrich Diederichsen and Anselm Franke, it is organized into seven thematic sections, beginning with 'Universalism' and the Gaia hypothesis. The chapter 'Frontier: At the Pacific Wall' suggests that the NASA photograph shifted focus inward. 'Whole Systems' features Jay Forrester addressing global challenges, while Nancy Holt and Robert Smithson's 1969 work satirizes California culture. 'Apocalypse, Babylon, Simulation' presents Raymond Pettibon's 1982 drawing, countering the optimism of the Age of Aquarius. 'Boundless Interior' includes Andy Warhol's 1965 projection, and 'Self Incorporated' highlights Ashley Bickerton's 1989 artwork. The concluding chapter critiques Earth's fragmented condition. Critics have remarked that the exhibition resembles academic posters, which may restrict individual expression. This review was first published in September 2013.