Patterns of Indulgence
This work follows Victorian Era wallpaper designs and William Morris' explorations of Scheele Green into a present investigation of the patterns of colonial extraction by Canadian corporations. The colour swatches mimic the palettes of lithium mining as well as the infamous arsenic greens used in the production of vibrant yet deadly household commodities. The patterns are composed by logos of the twenty-five most powerful and contested Canadian Mining corporations operating in the Americas between 2020 and 2021.
The logos' largely inconspicuous, unmemorable, malleable and almost permutable designs speak to the vast levels of secrecy and anonymity in which they operate, often unregulated, and with robust impunity around the world.
Created with the support of Ontario Arts Council.
Patterns of Indulgence, wallpaper, dimensions variable, 2020
Installation view of Patterns of Indulgence, in Grounding, curated by Maya Wilson-Sanchez at the Art Gallery of Guelph, 2020. Photo courtesy of AGG.
Installation view of Patterns of Indulgence, in Grounding, curated by Maya Wilson-Sanchez at the Art Gallery of Guelph, 2020. Photo courtesy of AGG.
Photos by Martin Schwalbe. Courtesy of the Art Gallery of Guelph, 2020
Mapping Patterns
Patterns of Indulgence map and legend were designed in collaboration with Mark Bennett. The map connects the wallpaper pattern and its corporate logos with the sites, communities and resources that are being extracted.
For further resources on mapping extractive projects and environmental justice follow EJAtlas https://ejatlas.org/
