China National Petroleum Corporation Pavilion

130 X 194 cm     ac     2010/10/19

The exterior walls of the China National Petroleum Corporation Pavilion are decorated with criss-crossed petroleum and gas pipes, giving the pavilion a modern appearance. The whole pavilion resembles a huge energy-processing network, symbolizing that abundant underground oil is the main impetus for the city. The interior is divided into three sections: the past, present and future, displaying respectively in 4D cinema the evolution of petroleum during millions of years, vital roles of petroleum for human history and city development, and prosperous visions for the development of petroleum. Exterior walls with an area of 4,000 square meters turn into a huge LED screen, changing patterns and music continually.
 
In this artwork, Dr. Chen takes the shape of the main exhibition hall and presents it like a glow-in-the-dark screen. Around the lower half, the ancient Jurassic past symbolizes the oil that evolved underground for millenia. In the upper half, we see oil being extracted and utilized for modern urban life. We see its crucial role in facilitating our human food, clothing, housing, transportation, etc. It is no wonder that oil is often called “black gold.”