A new art installation that simulates a water fountain filled with oil is being shown to the public for the first time in Bristol Cathedral. Luke Jerram’s piece titled Oil Fountain will highlight contemporary society’s reliance on oil and how we should shift away from this dependency.
Jerram is the critically acclaimed artist behind Museum of the Moon and Mars, the latter of which is heading to Aerospace Bristol this month. The latest project has been described as "both very beautiful and slightly disconcerting".
Oil Fountain is a sculpture which flows with artificial oil instead of water falling into black mirror-like pools. The artwork is designed to stimulate discussion by creating tension between its stunning visuals and the alarming subject matter that it is addressing.
Read more: Luke Jerram to bring huge Mars installation to Aerospace Bristol
Artist Luke Jerrram said: “We all need to do what we can to reduce our dependency on oil, help fight climate change and steer society towards a net zero future. With a climate crisis underway, I hope this artwork will act as a focal point for conversations and help stimulate debate about this vital issue.”
The sculpture has been created from used engine oil and recycled acrylic, with details of plants and animals made extinct by humanity’s impact on nature, laser-cut into the surface. Surrounding medieval architecture of Bristol Cathedral and its visitors will reflect in the mirrored surface of the oil creating arresting imagery.
It encourages people to reflect on how water fountains were a source of safe drinking water and a meeting place for the community. All materials for the Oil Fountain artwork will be recycled again at the end of the project.
“We are very pleased to be hosting this thought-provoking piece in Bristol Cathedral. Human dependence on oil is a major contributor to global warming and we all have a part to play in addressing this issue and working to reduce the damage being done to our precious planet,” said the Very Rev’d Mandy Ford, Dean of Bristol.
Alongside the fountain, the Cathedral will host an exhibition and an exciting programme of events. Further details will be announced over the coming weeks. The display is part of the Festival of Nature from June 10-18.
The exhibition will be free of charge available during the cathedral's opening hours - Monday to Friday (8am-6pm), Saturday (8am-5pm) and Sunday (7.30am-4.30pm).
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