Oil Fountain

Oil Fountain was a giant fountain sculpture which flowed with engine oil instead of water, intended to highlight how contemporary society is reliant on oil and the need to move away from this dependency. It was designed to stimulate debate and discussion about the topic and the need for action.

Creating an interesting tension, the artwork was both very beautiful and slightly disconcerting. With the smell and the sound of the oil falling into mirror-like pools, the artwork looked extraordinary in different lights and settings. Surrounding architecture and visitors reflected in the mirrored surface of the oil.

The sculpture was created from oil and recycled acrylic, with details of plants and animals made extinct as a consequence of the industrial revolution and humanity’s impact on nature, laser-cut into the surface.

Inspiration

Traditionally, towns and cities have been built around the presence of clean water. Water fountains were a source of safe drinking water and a meeting place for the community. Over time, they have become symbols of life, health, and also used to communicate prosperity and power.

Contemporary society is now built around the use of oil. Oil in the form of petrol and diesel is the main source of fuel for transport. People wear oil in the form of polyester and nylon fabrics in our clothing, and we even wrap our food in oil, in the form of plastic.

Just as water fountains are meeting places within a town, Oil Fountain became a place for organisations and individuals fighting climate change to meet and discuss their work.

Luke 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.”

All materials for the Oil Fountain artwork were recycled again at the end of the project.

First Presentation at Bristol Cathedral
Oil Fountain was publicly presented in Bristol Cathedral as part of the Festival of Nature 2023.

Press Coverage
BBC News
ITV
The Telegraph.
BBC Radio Bristol
TGcom24
Western Daily Press
LBC Radio.
Bristol 247

With thanks
Thanks to Slicker Recycling for supplying the recycled oil we needed for this artwork. At the end of the project the oil was returned to them to be recycled and reused.

With thanks to designer PChanningDesign for his work on this arts project.