Pearls and oil share the same color scheme on opposite ends of the dichroic (iridescent) color spectrum. The exploitation of these two materials at various points in history has been fundamental to the cultural and economic life of the Persian Gulf region. The work follows on from the artist's research into the historical and cultural legacy of the pearl trade, and the massive social and economic shifts brought about by its replacement with a petro-economy. Based on the shapes of oil drills, these alien-like sculptural objects liken these machines to intruders from another planet. Here the substance of oil is presented as an alien visitor that dramatically changed the historical narrative of an entire region, forever altering its bodies and landscapes.
Other works from this series have been acquired by the Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, Netherlands.