Lucie Stahl's 'Seven Sisters' at Bonner Kunstverein Confronts Fossil Fuel Dependence
At Bonner Kunstverein, German artist Lucie Stahl showcases 'Seven Sisters,' an exhibition open until 31 July. This display critiques the world's dependence on fossil fuels through a blend of ecological, economic, and religious themes. It includes pieces created over the last eight years, such as 'Petrochemical Prayer Wheel' (2022), which features six empty oil barrels, and 'FUEL' (2019), designed to resemble a massive milking machine. The title alludes to the oil consortium formed after World War II. Arranged to emphasize political urgency, the exhibition also presents 'Giant' (2019) photographs of drilling rigs alongside seven sculptures adorned with ribbons, framed by 'Burrows' (2022) images of oil spills. Stahl's haunting photographs provoke thought about environmental destruction, featuring ghostly objects like rusted beverage cans.
Key facts
- Lucie Stahl's exhibition 'Seven Sisters' is on view at Bonner Kunstverein through 31 July
- The show includes works from the past eight years, arranged dramaturgically without strict chronology
- 'Petrochemical Prayer Wheel' (2022) features six empty oil barrels in freestanding metal frames referencing Tibetan prayer wheels
- The title refers to the consortium of oil companies that dominated the petroleum industry post-World War II
- 'FUEL' (2019) is a sculpture resembling a giant milking robot, metaphorizing liquid pumping
- Photographs include 'Giant' (2019) of drilling rigs off Scotland and 'Burrows' (2022) of oil spills in Albania
- A chapel-like room contains abstract, scan-based works using oil and paint
- The exhibition critiques fossil fuel dependence through ecological, economic, and ecclesiastic imagery
Entities
Artists
- Lucie Stahl
Institutions
- Bonner Kunstverein
- Seven Sisters
Locations
- Bonn
- Germany
- Scotland
- Albania