“Espejito, espejito AKA charco de petróleo” (Mirror, mirror AKA oil spill), Reclaimed Synthetic Fabrics, 2017-2021
Mirror, mirror on the lake, who’s the fairest of them all?
Constructed with reclaimed black synthetic fabrics (made with oil), “Espejito, espejito AKA charco de petróleo” represents a potential oil spill on the lake caused by a pipeline. The fairytale is a reference to the human obsession with beauty or progress, and how it is used as leverage over others – the idea of indoctrination and normalization of very specific concepts starting in childhood that helps to build and perpetuate stereotypes.
The oil industry, assimilated into our culture, has been abusing every aspect of our society with its power structures. It is incredible that in 2021, burning fossil fuels is the status quo, no matter the environmental consequences. Mirror, mirror, who is the most selfish and powerful of them all? For farsighted people, this is an opportunity to imagine the possibility of another oil spill. With that image reflected at us, this is a call to take action and demand our vital bodies of water be protected for future generations.
Sponsored by Private Donor. Thank you to Pablo Baxter, Lars W. Koch, Emily Popp and Giacomo Castro Candito
Bio: TetraPAKMAN, aka Victor Castro Candito is a Mexican artist working in social sculpture. His work focuses on questions/issues of sustainability, the environment, educational strategies, and social networks. His community-generated projects are made from thousands of repurposed, often discarded everyday objects that are gathered by people from all walks of life. TetraPAKMAN’s work has been shown in Mexico, Spain, Peru and the United States. One of the central aims of TetraPAKMAN’s work is to challenge the perception that packaging, and other materials are just trash or recyclables. This process gives participants an opportunity to re-imagine the possibilities and potential of these materials in art, construction and science. Since arriving in Madison in the summer of 2012, he has explored resources for his practice and possibilities for collaborative social sculpture projects. Called the USgathering Project, TetraPAKMAN’s unique process combines participatory workshops, energetic public activities, materials gathering initiatives, school visits, monumental pieces, abstract art, education, and environmental activism.
Artist Juror and Curator for Global Cooling Generation
Madison, WI | www.usgathering.info