Blowback \ Work

"Oil-filled hydrocal basins arranged outdoors—symbol of environmental residue and cultural erosion."

Blowback

  Post-Industrial / United States of America

Seven white Hydrocal basins arranged in formation, each containing used oil. The oil surfaces began as black mirrors reflecting sky and viewers. Over seven weeks, the oil reacted with air and weather: resinous rings formed and deepened, debris accumulated, and rainwater pooled. Reflection became record. During installation, vandals damaged several basins, spilling black sludge. The damage was left in place, making intentional installation and destructive intervention indistinguishable in the final weathered surface marked by evidential waste. ☐




"Dry climate artifact basin with resin layers—metaphor for layered historical consequences."

"Installation basin reflecting geopolitical conflict—visual meditation on energy politics and decay."

Close-up of Blowback's textured hydrocal basin with rippled interior containing dark oil pool in Edward Dormer's Philadelphia art installation

Blowback basin showing resinous rings forming from oil interaction in Edward Dormer's Philadelphia installation symbolizing environmental consequences

Vandalized elements of Blowback showing damaged hydrocal basins in Edward Dormer's Philadelphia installation, embodying the concept of consequences