Chimera

This gigantic sculpture is based on the shape of an oil drill and because of its size and reflective colour, it almost seems like a creature from outer space. For centuries before the discovery of oil, the economy of the Gulf coastline was based on pearl diving, and entire cultures were created around this precious object. A chimera is a mythical being composed of multiple parts from various animals. Through this sculpture, the artist attempts to merge the pre- and post-oil eras into one. She creates aesthetic connections between pearls and oil as a way of re-imagining the past, present and future of the wider Gulf region.