Monira Al Qadiri's 'Benzene Float' Reveals Hidden Energy Infrastructure
The sixth episode of 'L’arte anticipa il futuro' (Art Anticipates the Future) features artist Monira Al Qadiri, born in 1983 in Dakar, showcasing her installation titled 'Benzene Float'. This work delves into the unseen material framework of today's society. It comprises five oversized inflatable sculptures inspired by petrochemical substances such as benzene and propane, adorned with shimmering surfaces. By magnifying these microscopic elements to over six meters, Al Qadiri emphasizes their significance in contemporary life, representing the petrochemical sector's conflicting influence on progress and environmental issues. Having spent her formative years in Kuwait and Japan, Al Qadiri holds a PhD from Tokyo University of the Arts and examines 'petro-culture'. This energy-focused episode is accessible on YouTube.
Key facts
- Monira Al Qadiri presents 'Benzene Float' in the sixth episode of 'L’arte anticipa il futuro'.
- The series is promoted by School of Vision in collaboration with ENI and ROAD.
- The installation consists of five large inflatable sculptures of petrochemical molecular models.
- The molecules include benzene, propane, and naphthalene.
- The sculptures are enlarged to over six meters and have iridescent surfaces.
- Al Qadiri was born in 1983 in Dakar and grew up between Kuwait and Japan.
- She holds a PhD in Intermedia Art from Tokyo University of the Arts.
- Her work explores 'petro-culture' and the hidden material infrastructure of contemporary life.
Entities
Artists
- Monira Al Qadiri
Institutions
- School of Vision
- ENI
- ROAD
- Tokyo University of the Arts
- Artribune
Locations
- Dakar
- Kuwait
- Japan