A Timeless Tapestry: Unraveling the History of Oil
The compelling exhibition “Displacement” at the MassArt Art Museum in Boston offers a profound look at the human consequences of environmental change. Anchored by Sandra M. Sawatzky’s 220-foot-long tapestry, the display traces our species’ intricate relationship with oil, spanning from the Neolithic era to modern times.
Sawatzky’s embroidered masterpiece, inspired by the iconic Bayeux Tapestry, showcases colorful scenes of Neanderthals using sticky tar, bitumen in Mesopotamian structures, Chinese naphtha stoves, and the rise of the US automotive industry. The continuous narrative underlines the pervasive role of oil in human history.
This expansive artwork stands out not only for its sheer size but for its innovative approach, emphasizing a slow, unfolding story rather than a single moment of disaster. The diverse scenes invite viewers to reflect on their part in this ongoing tale.
As dinosaurs dance along the edge of the tapestry, we’re reminded of the 65-million-year-old origins of our fossil fuels. Sawatzky’s work is a poignant reminder of the ancient roots of our current climate crisis.
Visualizing Slow Violence: Art as a Lens on Climate Migration
Writer Rob Nixon’s concept of slow violence is powerfully brought to life through the artworks in “Displacement.” The incremental, often unseen effects of climate change are given form, focusing on human migration and adaptation.
Akea Brionne’s Begin Again: Land of Enchantment is a striking example, depicting three women with stuffed suitcases in a desert landscape. Their sequined garments highlight both resilience and alienation caused by constant displacement.
At the heart of this exhibition lies a critical message:
- Environmental crises often affect the poor disproportionately.
- Forced migration is a harsh reality for many communities.
- Art can make the invisible impacts of climate change visible.
These works invite us to visualize the slow-moving but devastating consequences of environmental upheaval, urging us to recognize and address these issues.
Colonial Echoes: Mapping Exploitation and Resistance
Nguyen Smith’s Bundle House Borderlines No. 3 dissects the concept of a singular Caribbean with a fantastical map merging the shorelines of various islands. This piece challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of a region he deems “ground zero” of climate disaster.
The map, adorned with Trinidadian and Zambian soil, underscores the historical and ongoing exploitation of both people and land. Nearby sculptures of “bundle houses” crafted from found objects evoke the scavenger existence many must adopt post-disaster.
Similarly, Imani Jacqueline Brown’s work, What remains at the ends of the earth?, delves into the geographical overlap of oil fields and colonial plantations in Louisiana. She highlights the systemic exploitation of the area, now known as “Cancer Alley” due to its severe pollution.
Brown’s video installation blends aerial photography, oil-slicked waters, and graphic mappings of oil networks. The shining stars in her piece symbolize the resilience found in historical roots. Brown, like her peers in “Displacement,” emphasizes the human spirit’s endurance amidst relentless change.
Human Stories Amidst Environmental Turmoil
By focusing on personal narratives, the “Displacement” exhibition at MAAM provides a deeply human perspective on climate change. Each artist offers unique insights into how environmental shifts force people to adapt, migrate, and sometimes face extinction.
These artworks serve as a stark reminder that while climate change is a global issue, its impacts are often felt most acutely on an individual level. The exhibition urges viewers to consider their own roles in this ongoing story.
The intricate details and evocative imagery presented in these pieces challenge us to think critically about our relationship with the environment. They highlight the urgency of addressing climate change not just as a scientific issue, but as a deeply human one.
Through their creative expressions, the artists in “Displacement” call us to action, imploring us to recognize and mitigate the far-reaching consequences of our environmental footprint.
carolinespecter
Exellent write-up, but I’m curious – how did the dinosaurs fit into the tapestry narrative? 😂
MadisonEchoes
Looks like a fascinating exhibition! I wonder if there are any interactive elements?
Jeremiah3
What measures are being taken to help those who are forced to migrate because of climate change?
Ayden_Citadel7
Great article! The connections between oil and colonialism are eye-opening. Thanks for sharing!
evan
Ugh, another exhibit blaming humans for climate change… But it does sound interesting.
noraessence
I love the idea of visualizing slow violence. Do you think art is the best medium for this message?
tigger
Wow, this sounds incredible! How long will the exhibition be at MassArt Art Museum? 😊
mistyraven
This is such a compelling piece! Can you share more about Sandra M. Sawatzky’s inspiration for the tapestry?