Cal Lane, Canadian
Oil Drum Map of the World #1, 2008
Cal Lane’s “Oil Drum Map of the World #1” serves as both a beautiful example of detailed metalwork and an ironic reference to the oil world. Lane repurposes an old oil drum, carving a map into its surface. This choice of subject matter seemingly suggests that oil extraction is spreading to all parts of the world, or perhaps that the effects of oil are contaminating the world either directly, through leaks and waste disposal, or indirectly, through emissions and the effects of climate change. Lane includes depictions of animal-like creatures within the detailed borders, perhaps alluding to the effects that oil has on nonhuman animals. Label by Grace Moser