In December 1999, the oil-tanker Erika was wrecked off the coast of Brittany, causing an enormous oil slick. An ecological disaster resulted from the gigantic "Ölteppich", literally an "oil carpet". I gave a new meaning to this metaphorical German term by collecting oil spilled at the site and using it to fill thin, transparent PVC tubes, from which I had previously woven a carpet. This was the beginning of my series of projects dealing with the extraordinary way in which specific European landscapes have been transformed by the influence of humans. Originally geared towards ecology, my artistic focus has expanded to include the topographical aspects of such man-made landscapes as artificial islands, canals, lakes and waterfalls, which were designed or reshaped for technical, economic or political reasons. Water helps to preserve the architectural outlines of these constructed fluvial and coastal landscapes, enabling them to retain their unusual forms for centuries, or even millennia. Crude oil, sludge, contaminated water and other materials which I collect on site are conserved as relics of the landscape. These materials serve as filler inside the PVC tubes used in my carpets, creating pictures made from pollutants. My work also includes project-related documentaries incorporating video, photography and drawing.
Projects:
CHILDE HAROLD'S PILGRIMAGE, 2015-20017
THE REFLECTED HEXAGON, 2010-2011
