Josephine Meckseper: Manhattan Oil Project / Opening

Josephine Meckseper: Manhattan Oil Project is a public art project near Times Square in New York, produced by the Art Production Fund. German artist Josephine Meckseper installed two monumental kinetic sculptures at the The Last Lot project space. The sculptures are inspired by mid 20th century oil pumps. They are fully motorized to simulate the motions of a working oil pump. Formally, the sculptures refer to the large-scale kinetic sculptures of Jean Tinguely, Alexander Calder, and Mark Di Suvero.

With this work, Josephine Meckseper hopes to “draw parallels between the American industrial system, transitioning from a past of heavy industry, factories, and teamsters and the disembodied present of electronic mass-media, surface advertising, and consumerism – so clearly embodied in Times Square. The critical placement of the pumps is a conceptual gesture that raises questions about business and capital; land use and resources; wealth and decay; decadence and dependence.”

This video was shot on the occasion of the opening reception on March 5, 2012. The sculptures are on display until May 6, 2012.

Josephine Meckseper: Manhattan Oil Project. The Last Lot, 46th Street / 8th Avenue, New York City. Opening, March 5, 2012. Video by Didier Leroi.

PS: See also: Interview with Art Production Fund founders Doreen Remen and Yvonne Force Villareal.

> Right-click (Mac: ctrl-click) this link to download Quicktime video file.

Photo set on Flickr:
Josephine Meckseper. Manhattan Oil Project

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