Tanoa Sasraku, a Glasgow-based artist, is preparing for her solo exhibition titled “Morale Patch” at the ICA in London, which runs from October 7 to January 11. The exhibition features a collection of paperweights created by oil companies, each containing a small amount of crude oil at its center. Sasraku describes these objects as attractive yet grotesque, reflecting the dichotomy of power and fragility in their presentation.
The paperweights serve as a commentary on geopolitics and national identity, embodying the allure of oil extraction alongside the subsequent wealth and power it generates. Displayed on velvet-lined jewelry boards that map global oil production and related conflicts, the pieces highlight the precarious nature of international alliances. Sasraku notes that a single act of aggression could unravel these relationships.
This transition in her work marks a departure from her previous practice, which often utilized organic materials such as soil pigments. However, her interest in the narrative power of materials remains central to her exploration of crude oil, which she views as a product of ancient marine life and plants that serves as a life force for human advancement. Her fascination with collecting paperweights stems from her desire to examine their connection to the oil industry, leading her to participate in online bidding wars to acquire various pieces, including those with unusual cultural significance.
In addition to the paperweights, Sasraku created her own custom pieces that reference military motifs, and the exhibition includes wall-mounted works made from soaked newsprint. These elements critique the role of politicians in manipulating power dynamics, particularly in relation to resource dependency.
Sasraku’s artistic approach is informed by her experiences and observations of American culture, including its impacts on contemporary geopolitics. The exhibition will be located near prominent symbols of British national power, prompting further discussion on the themes of oil dependency and international relations reflected in her work.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/sep/29/oil-industry-paperweights-tanoa-sasraku-artist-interview