Jul 5, 2017
Western Flag (Spindletop, Texas) 2017 : midday
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Western Flag (Spindletop, Texas) 2017 : midday
Western Flag (Spindletop, Texas) 2017 depicts the site of the 'Lucas Gusher' - the world's first major oil find - in Spindletop, Texas in 1901, now barren and exhausted. Gerrard has recreated the site as a digital simulation and placed at its centre a flagpole bearing a flag of perpetually-renewing pressurised black smoke. The computer generated Spindletop runs in exact parallel with the real site in Texas throughout the year: the sun rising at the appropriate times and the days getting longer and shorter according to the seasons. The simulation is non-durational (having no beginning or end) and is run live by software that is calculating each frame of the animation in real time as it is needed. Commissioned by Channel 4 for broadcast April 22nd, Earth Day and presented in partnership with Somerset House. Live presentation at Somerset House, Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, WC2R 1LA London April 20th. Supported by JJ Charitable Trust, Mark Leonard Trust, Ashden Trust and the Western Flag Supporters Circle
www.westernflag.art
Western Flag is a symbol for climate change and modern society’s dependence on oil. Commissioned by Channel 4, presented in partnership with Somerset House. Watch it live on http://all4.com/westernflag
Western Flag Live
A live stream of the flag can be experienced on All 4 at all4.com/westernflag. On Earth Day (22nd April) use your screen, tablet or phone to broadcast the artwork anywhere you choose, stream it in full screen or share it using #westernflag.
www.westernflag.art
”One of the greatest legacies of the 20th century is not just population explosion or better living standards but vastly raised carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This flag gives this invisible gas, this international risk, an image, a way to represent itself.” John Gerrard
”One of the greatest legacies of the 20th century is not just population explosion or better living standards but vastly raised carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This flag gives this invisible gas, this international risk, an image, a way to represent itself.” John Gerrard
Western Flag. Artist: John Gerrard. #westernflag #johngerrard #carmonaphotography #desertx #desertx2019 #coachella #coachellavalley #art #artistsoninstagram #artist #arts #artsy #artinstallation #deserthotsprings #desert #indio #california #photo #photography #travel #travelphotography #landscape #landscapephotography #landscapelovers #ig_color #west #justgoshoot #awesomedreamplaces #gramslayers #carmonaphotography (at Palm Springs Visitors Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvFROqXglh2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ef2fxatbqktt
Western Flag. Artist: John Gerrard. #westernflag #johngerrard (at Palm Springs Visitors Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvFQpgmguHp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=g2uak6uxxi1r