The Swiss Institute’s exhibition “Energies” takes us back to the 1970s in the East Village, where a community came together to create their own sustainable energy source in the midst of the oil crisis. This grassroots effort led to the installation of a wind turbine and solar panels on the roof of a building at 519 E 11th Street, providing electricity to the community during frequent outages. The exhibition showcases archival documents and works by artists Becky Howland and Gordon Matta-Clark, who were involved in local regeneration projects during that time.
The show at the Swiss Institute explores the themes of energy justice and power relations inherent in energy production. It features a diverse range of artworks that address global issues through a local lens. From Vibeke Mascini’s installation powered by confiscated cocaine to Saba Khan’s sculpture referencing hydropower projects on the Indus River, the exhibition offers a thought-provoking look at the impact of energy production on communities around the world.
Several works in the exhibition highlight the neocolonial practices of extractivism and neglect, such as Gabriela Torres-Ferrer’s footage of Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria and Ximena Garrido-Lecca’s exploration of the environmental toll on mining cities like Cerro de Pasco in Peru. Liu Chuang’s work in Dongguang, China, sheds light on the decline of manufacturing centers, while Jean Katambayi Mukendi’s drawings playfully comment on the exploitation of African mineral resources.
The exhibition raises important questions about the role of art in addressing environmental issues and advocating for change. It reminds us of the power of small local acts in creating meaningful impact, as seen in the residents’ successful battle against Con Edison to produce their own energy. “Energies” at the Swiss Institute is a testament to the potential of art to inspire change and bring hope in challenging times.
The exhibition will be on display at the Swiss Institute in Manhattan until January 5, 2025. Curated by Stefanie Hessler, Alison Coplan, KJ Abudu, and Clara Prat-Gay, “Energies” offers a unique and engaging perspective on the intersection of art, activism, and sustainability.
