This is an installation work for the 119th Street Artists group's CornerStone Gallery™ located in Whiting, Indiana (the home of a rather large and expanding BP oil refinery) in response to the current oil disaster taking place in the Gulf of Mexico. The work consists of a few large, clear glass vases, each containing a bundle of dried reed-like grasses. Each vase would then be partially filled with used motor oil. The dried grasses would wick the oil up their lengths, changing in appearance over the duration of the exhibition. The smell of the oil would slowly permeate the room that the work is installed in. There are several found objects and sculptures along with a group of images documenting the landscape, taken while gathering materials for the installation.

On many levels. this work would mimic some of the effects of our reliance on petrochemicals on our environment. The oil is messy and will be difficult for Mike to handle during the install. The grass will change appearance, morphing from "dried plant arrangements" to an oily mess. The odor of the space will change from a pleasant, dried grass smell to a petrochemical smell. This change should happen slowly, almost sneaking up on the space.

Mike is interested in the reaction of the community to the work due to the the fact that the BP refinery is such an integral part of the local economics; employment, tax base, etc. He believes this will stir a bit of debate concerning the installation in the gallery, particularly on the subject of oil and its effect on local economics and the environment. Additionally, he thinks the work would be particularly poignant installed in a gallery that is located in a bank in Whiting.

Not to single out Whiting; BP just happens to be here. There is a long history of heavy industry on the south side of Chicago and in Northwest Indiana. The area is still in the throes of shifting away from this industry. In reality, no community in the industrialized world is spared from confronting the issue of petrochemical dependency (Kalamazoo River, Battle Creek, Michigan). Most of us still have cars, use many things that contain plastics and petrochemical derived substances. Due to the nature of our collective consumption habits, this work would function in relatively the same manner installed in any community in the United States.

Mike intends to install this work again in an expanded form in the near future, possibly in several local midwestern venues. This work will continue to grow as the issue of oil dependency evolves, questions arise and venues change. We will keep you posted.

The gallery is located in the Centier Bank Building at 1500 - 119th Street in Whiting, Indiana. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am til 5 pm and Saturday 9 am till Noon.

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For The Love Of Art
119th Street Artists™ is sponsoring
"For The Love Of Art Street Fair"
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Artists and Crafters welcomed
Click Here for Wanted Poster
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Saturday, August 28, 2010

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Click Here for Prospectus

An article concerning why artist should not try to explain their art "Explanations Are The Traitor Of Art" can be read and/or downloaded by Clicking Here.

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An article concerning the future of art is of interest to all "Why Western Art Is Unique" can be read and/or downloaded by Clicking Here.

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