Victor Ehikhamenor, Nigerian
Wealth of Nations, 2015
This work consists of oil barrels painted with abstract patterns. These patterns are meant to emulate the ancient writing styles that were once prevalent in Nigeria but are now almost extinct. The use of a declining form of language is used to reference the loss of ecology and ecological knowledge in the Niger Delta. The goal of the piece is to represent the struggle to preserve the delta and for communities to have access to the wealth being extracted from their home. The installation serves as a reminder that the benefits and drawbacks of oil are not distributed equally. Label by Becca Gurysh