Skip to contentSkip to navigation

Los Carpinteros

Cromo Diez [Chrome Ten]

Artist

Los Carpinteros
Havana, 1992-2018

Title

Cromo Diez [Chrome Ten]

Date

2011

Materials

Chrome-plated kerosene lamp and bronze

Dimensions

17 x 100 x 73 cm

Credits

Gift in memory of Michèle Carignan, inv. 2018.432.1-3

Collection

International Contemporary Art

The Havana-based collective Los Carpinteros is known for transforming everyday objects in order to give them new meanings. Cromo Diez consists of an overturned kerosene lamp and its spilled contents, a highly polished liquid. Referring to the frequent power outages of Cuba, this subject and format – a horizontal sculpture and spill – recurs in Los Carpinteros’ corpus. Recalling the environmentally disastrous oil spills, these works inadvertently introduce the subject of fossil fuels. Overconsumption of these organic materials, including petroleum, coal and natural gas, which are used to generate power, is depleting non-renewable natural resources and contributing to pollution worldwide.

© Los Carpinteros Courtesy Sean Kelly, New York & MMFA, Montreal

Add a touch of culture to your inbox
Subscribe to the Museum newsletter

Bourgie Hall Newsletter sign up