General Information

Serial #

N/A

Part Number

1

Total Parts

1

AKA

N/A

Patents

N/A

General Description

Oil on canvas with wooden frame.

Dimensions

Note: These reflect the general size for storage and are not necessarily representative of the object's true dimensions.

Length

1.23 m

Width

104.0 cm

Height

4.5 cm

Thickness

N/A

Weight

N/A

Diameter

N/A

Volume

N/A

Lexicon

Group

Energy-electric

Category

Commemorative

Sub-Category

N/A

Manufacturer

AKA

Amlin

Country

Unknown

State/Province

Unknown

City

Unknown

Context

Country

Canada

State/Province

Ontario

Period

Used in the Energy Exhibit 2011-2017.

Canada

Taken from acquisition worksheet; reference #1: The painting was commissioned by the CSTMC for the exhibition Energy Power to Choose. It was used to depict the idea of "energy obesity", overconsumption of energy that is characteristic to our culture. The painting was placed in the context of the rebound theory in efficiency and energy conservation. The artist was provided with following instructions: A work of art; portrait, 3' x 6'; to be exhibited at the Canada Science and Technology Museum from June 9, 2011 to 2017. The Museum will have the full ownership of the art work. The artist will be credited in tombstone data. No frame necessary. The art work will depict ideas of: - Energy obesity - Overconsumption - Lifestyle based on energy onsumption The idea is based on a book: The end of energy obesity by P. Tertzakian. Quoting from the author’s web site (http://www.endofenergyobesity.com): "Like cheap junk food, long term availability of cheap energy has allowed industrialized countries, especially the United States and Canada to become accustomed to a lifestyle of overconsumption." From our gas-guzzling SUV’s and bigger houses, to ever longer commutes and more distant vacations – we consume energy like there is no end. (…) Tertzakian’s book describes the complex forces reshaping the way we think about energy – new applications for our current energy- consuming technology; new developments in the use of fossil fuels; new consumer technologies, and new ways of living, playing and working that can reduce our energy appetite without compromising well being." General suggestions: - Target audience for the exhibit is families with children 10 years old + - Company logos and brand names should not appear in visual material - Stress is on energy consumption, not on only electricity consumption; if possible please include visual references to objects that consume oil and natural gas

Function

To represent perceptions on energy consumption.

Technical

Taken from acquisition worksheet; reference #1: As described by the artist: "The painting will illustrate a figure seated at the table, digging into the huge mountain of his 'energy feast'. The idea is to make the focus of the painting the gigantic bowl (the 'energy feast'), consisting of different objects related to energy-consumption. It will have areas of highly rendered objects and machines and other areas that are more ambiguous. There will be cords spilling out of the bowl, almost looking like spaghetti noodles at first glance. There will also be a gas pump in the feast which is leaking gas all over the table and spilling onto the floor. Overall, the image will look chaotic and wonderful! I think it should easily get the point across in a fun and interesting way. I plan to follow the sketches loosely- adding and subtracting objects as I see fit for overall balance in the composition. The items in the feast will be glowing with electricity, leaking oil, and sputtering out fumes. It will make for a lively image with endless little pockets of detail to keep the viewer's attention (including the curious little eyes of children). I'm hoping to capture their imagination as well as their parents' and create something visually-pleasing that speaks volumes about our frivolous use of energy. It should reek of sarcasm. Every viewer should spot many items in the piece that represent their own daily use of energy, and perhaps make them consider their own 'energy appetite'."

Area Notes

Unknown

Details

Markings

Artist's signature, lower right "J. Amlin".

Missing

N/A

Finish

Oil on canvas. Painting is multi-coloured on a beige/tan background. Canvas is stretched over a wooden frame.

Decoration

Depicts a man sitting at a table eating a variety energy-fueled objects.