Unlike typical design exhibitions that showcase objects, “Oltre Terra” features a diverse collection of agricultural and cultural items, photographs, videos, and other materials to demonstrate that wool is more than just a raw material for the design and textile industries.

The exhibition explores the intricate relationship between humans and sheep, which began around 11,000 years ago when humans shifted from hunting sheep to managing flocks. This co-evolutionary process between humans and sheep led to domestic sheep as we know them today. The exhibition highlights how humans provided sheep with food and protection, and in return, received wool—a material with unique properties that have significantly influenced human and animal history.

The title “Oltre Terra” is derived from the etymology of the word “transhumance,” which combines the Latin words “trans” (across) and “humus” (grounds or “terra” in Italian). Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement of livestock between grazing grounds based on available nutrients and resources.

The exhibition embraces a transdisciplinary approach, involving collaborations and conversations with diverse practitioners such as designers, artists, anthropologists, evolutionists, legal experts, curators, shepherds, musicians, and farmers.

The installation challenges the traditional display mode of dioramas commonly seen in natural history museums. Instead of static representations, the exhibition presents life-size reproductions of different sheep breeds, a carpet made from discarded wool fibers, documents, films, manufacturing by-products, and various organic matter—all side by side. This arrangement aims to break down persistent categorizations that separate humans from animals and products from biological matter.