Reflecting the Oil Sands

Students from the Angewandte and Ernst Logar (lecturer, course: “Reflecting Oil: Art in Times of Petromelancholia” course) undertook a study trip to Fort McMurray, the centre of the Canadian oil sand industry in northern Alberta. This region is home to the world’s third-largest oil reserves in the form of tar sand. The associated method of extraction of crude oil is an extremely problematic form of oil extraction. High energy consumption, large amounts of river water used, and massive environmental destruction are the characteristics of this form of crude oil production. Based on their research and immediate experiences, the students developed artistic works which reflect the impact of the industry on land, local communities, and water. In collaboration with the University of Alberta (Department of Art and Design and the Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies), the students’ works were presented in an exhibition in Edmonton on May 28, 2024. The works can now also be seen at the Angewandte during the festival. Thu., June 27, 7 pm Talk by Ernst Logar and the students about their research trip experiences and the artistic works. Presentation of the photo story “A Roughneck´s Broken Dream” by Ernst Logar & David LaRiviere, 2024