Environmental Contamination Artefacts
Olaniyi Studio studies the relations of environmental art, architecture, law, and the anthropological relations of communities environmental habitats and belief systems. What are the ways in which these disciplines can protect their rights while also showing the value in the forms of knowledge that they live by in their environments. How are they affected by climate change, and who is responsible for the shifts, both climate, and economic, that they face as territorial boundaries are crossed for the exploitation of mineral, and natural resources. How can the artefact, or object act as a form of environmental law? These questions are both elements which each artefact in this series aims to question in relation to looking at environmental law of the unseen on a material scale. What is the unseen beauty in cultural perspectives, and does this beauty have to be materialised in a physical form in order to be actualised evidence in a court of environmental law? Is the tree what you see as an object (its bark, its leaves etc.) or is it a system of micro-organisms that make up the tree that also have rights of reflection and observation? Or is the tree itself a living ancestor in some cultures; how did this fusion happen, and how should this be valued in the right way? Or is it a living embodiment of a passed ancestor? Or is the tree a number in a system of measurement, valued for its wood grain, strength, colour, and organic properties? Is measurement necessary in relation to how we value these use properties? This collection of artefacts is the embodiment of the molecular + material + mental ecologies within a given environmental site of contamination. They act as a form of three-dimensional legal evidence that protects the rights to produce oxygen from a series of algal and other micro-organisms that are contaminated in various regions around the world based on mineral exploitation i.e, oil spills in the Delta region of Nigeria, Tailing Ponds in Chile, etc. As each artefact represents new forms of experimental environmental art, scientific, and legislative representation for evidence, they also aim to encapsulate an anthropological survey of the systems of belief around entities that inhabit this water alongside the molecular species. In essence these artefacts aim to question the tensions around the unseen environmental relations that connect the cross sectors of ecological, perceptual and legislative systems through the living presence of the artefact, itself, themselves or ourselves.
Artefact Design Formula
Each artefact is created using the process of material collection infused with anthropological practices, and beliefs of the inhabitants in each given site of contamination. The raw contamination is usually already infused into the the soil, organic matter, water, or animal, which means that in order to fossilise or encapsulate it, it has to go through both a thermodynamic process of purification from its original environment which will isolate the contamination in order to add it into the artefacts new based made from plant skin, iron, and hydrated earth. This process of adding the contamination to its based though congelation gives the collected contamination a binder to infuse with that will allow it to be transported once all exothermic conditions have produced solidification. The decay rate of the artefact is also based on the mixture of the binder, and the process of sublimation through the dehydration of its H2O which recycles back into the troposphere. Organic elemental and aesthetic multiplication is used to bring the artefact to life by using the process of sonic fermentation of herbal plant extracts, and additives from the site to mix with the contaminated percentage of the solidified mixture. This process produces a chemical reaction of colour acid stain on the artefact based on the properties of the contamination, and alkaline plant extracts. This reaction is conceptualised as the visual conversation between the entities in which inhabitant both elements. As the artefact decays this conversation will visually change, transform, and respond to its new location. This same design formula is applied to each architectural bone artefact minus the process of process contamination isolation and re-infusion.
SERIES: xi[EC] = For more information about each artefact in this collection you can reach out to our archive at - collect@olaniyi.studio
Architectural Bone Artefacts
What does architecture mean post building or structure, and how can an architectural artefact connect to a built structure while being absent of any physical connection? In this series of architectural bone artefacts Olaniyi Studio aims experiment with this architectural extension that accounts for how a designed environmental object has an affect on the program, circulation, and digestion of a built architectural structure though its internal properties. This is an architectural study of the extended mind, and the experimentation of designing environmental artefacts that are made in conjunction with an architectural structure with a function to protect the spirits embodied within the architectural structure, both human and non human. This act of architectural performance extends beyond environmental design models of climate simulations (co2, wind, thermal), and extends into the unseen yet embodied performance of the relational epistomologies in many places throughout the sites in which the material artefacts are made. What is the architecture in which environmental entities live in, and why is this important from an anthropological viewpoint? As there is no one answer to this question, allow the question to answer itself in the asking, which means that when you ask it to yourself allow your mental ecology to reflect on it, and provide the answer. Each artefact has its own architectural formula, and provides an apparatus for contemplation on different environmental elements which is mixed within its material DNA. Each architectural bone artefact aims to function in both internal and external environmental spaces. The artefact can be buried underground to decay naturally, or dissolved in water over long durations of time allowing for its layers of skin to shed. These artefacts react to humidity, uv light, wind, and thermal conditions allowing for them to adapt based on the environmental elements of a given internal or external environment.
SERIES: ioX[AB] = For more information or collection inquires about each architectural bone artefact in this collection, reach out to our archive at - collect@olaniyi.studio
Anthropology Field Research Artefacts
Anthropological research is one of the essential components of Olaniyi Studios research, and design formula. We seek to create research by traveling to diverse locations, and showing the diversity in belief systems, environments, and the artefacts that are produced when these are combined together by the inhabitants. In this collection of artefacts we aim to showcase can array of products that have been made within a given research location with the intention to share their beauty, meanings, and their importance to the crafts people that made them. Textiles, utensils, architectural components, medicines, field research books, art objects, garments, and musical instruments make up a few of the artefacts that show how different environments, and cultures create different tools to connect to their surroundings. Each artefacts works as a cultural exchange component, that informs our studio while encapsulating our field research expeditions, and populating our environmental tools archive.
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io = Was made in collaboration with a wide range of women weavers in Algeria and Morocco. It aims to show the the semiotic expressions of their culture as well as design expertise. For more information about each artefact you can reach out to our archive at - collect@olaniyi.studio
SERIES: xi[EC]/92io
Location = Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo
(Katanga Province)
Contamination = The key ingredient in the lithium-ion batteries being used to power smart-phones, electric, and hybrid cars is processed cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sixty percent of the worlds demand for cobalt is produced in contaminated conditions in which create health hazards for the local residents. Child cobalt labourers, and mine workers suffer from fatal hard metal lung disease from dust inhalation, as well as dermatitis from cobalt soaking in the skin.
Artefact DNA = colbalt paste + gray river clay + kapok bark + blue colbalt dust + plant cellulose + dried yellow orchid
SERIES: xi[EC]/99io
Location = Oguniland, Nigeria
(Niger Delta Region)
Contamination = Over 11 million barrels of oil have been spilled in the Niger Delta since 1959 which has caused environmental contamination to both the environment, and communities living in the region. The contaminated waters have depleted the waters of marine life, farmland, and mangrove health as a result of ruptured pipelines of crude oil.
Artefact DNA = crude oil + humus + black clay + plant cellulose + cohosh + dandelion + raw iron extract
SERIES: xi[EC]/63io
Location = Sukinda, India
(Jajpur, District)
Contamination = Chromite ore deposits are processed, and used to coat stainless steel used in most architectural buildings as a structural, and aesthetic additive. A majority of chromite ore mines in India do not have environmental control departments which causes leaching hexavalent chromium into drinking water supplies, and local ecosystems. Mining waste is discharged, and drains into the river water causing a rage of medical problems for local residents. Labours constantly experience gastrointestinal bleeding, and asthma from contaminated water ingestion, and dust inhalation.
Artefact DNA = chromite crushed pebbles + plant cellulose + wood ash + burnt masala + indian silica sand + chromite ash
SERIES: ioX[AB]-OX744[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = volcanic ash + soil+ black iron clay + plant skin + indigo root dehydrated extract + burdock root oil + calcium extract + coconut shells + lime skin
SERIES: ioX[AB]-CA342[boneAB]
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SERIES: ioX[AB]-YY999[boneAB]
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Artefact DNA = hydrated soil ash + fermented wood + black iron clay + plant skin + long-wood extract + raw iron extract + sunflower shells + magnesium
Artefact DNA = hibiscus extract + soil + black iron clay + plant skin + blubbery tincture + palm oil + crushed amethyst + calcium extract + coconut shells + violet orchid oil
SERIES: ioX[AB]-PE119[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = dry blueberry dye + violet indigo extract + volcanic ash + soil + plant skin + elderberries + black iron clay
SERIES: ioX[AB]-HB212[boneAB]
SERIES: ioX[AB]-WZ058[boneAB]
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Artefact DNA = blue-green algae + terracotta soil + terracotta dehydrated clay + crushed mango seed + avocado oil extract + iron + pink louts leaf + camomile root + crushed mica
Artefact DNA = raw iron extract + black iron clay + while feldspar ash + while silica ash + recycled banana root + grey granite sand + soil + argon oil extract
SERIES: ioX[AB]-IU672[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = raspberry extract + hibiscus dye + grey [0]Japanese porcelain ash + plant skin + algae + raw honey + iron extract
SERIES: ioX[AB]-TQ932[boneAB]
SERIES: ioX[AB]-OI949[boneAB]
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Artefact DNA = grey [0]Japanese porcelain + green indigo extract + plant skin + algae + raw honey + iron extract + kelp
Artefact DNA = raw iron extract + black iron clay + while feldspar ash + volcanic stone + damiana + while silica ash + recycled banana root + grey granite sand + soil + argon oil extract
SERIES: ioX[AB]-MI209[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = raw iron extract + black iron clay + while feldspar ash + volcanic stone + blue vervain + while silica ash + recycled banana root + grey granite sand + soil + black chia
SERIES: ioX[AB]-FA071[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = blue sea moss + blue indigo extract + grey [0] japanese porcelain ash + plant skin + blue green algae + iron extract + crushed chaparral + lavender oil + lavender seed
SERIES: ioX[AB]-SX830[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = soil + fermented wood + black iron clay + plant skin + rhubarb root extract + mica + raw honey + guaco root extract + burdock root power + volcanic ash
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
OLANIYI STUDIO RESEARCH BAG [La + Wa]
28cm x 22cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
Three micro-organisms + Three multiple
disciplines looking at lava in water waves.
Location = Chefchaouen, Morocco
(Rif Mountains)
OLANIYI STUDIO ARCHIVE COLLECTION
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells + metal
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
LION PAW WATER + GREEN SAND MEDICINAL BAG
20cm x 20cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for strength
protection
Location = Chefchaouen, Morocco
(Rif Mountains)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
RED CROW BEAK + PINK SNAKE BONE GEOLOGY BAG
22cm x 26cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for beauty and women,
fertility, medicinal properties.
Location = Chefchaouen, Morocco
(Rif Mountains)
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
LION PAW MOUNTAIN SEED BAG
11cm x 11cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for strength and courage
all plant seed protection.
Location = Ouarzazate, Morroco
(Sahara Desert)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
PALM ASH + CATUS PEAR FRUIT BAG
22cm x 20xm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for beauty and women,
fertility, medicinal properties.
Location = Ouarzazate, Morroco
(Sahara Desert)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
BIRD FINGER + FISH BONE NOMADIC TENT BAG
35cm x 40cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for positive energy that caries baraka,
safe nomadic travels.
Location = Ghardaia, Algeria
(Sahara Desert)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
SERIES: xi[EC]/47io
Location = Salar de Atacama, Chile
(Antofagasta Region)
Contamination = Arsenic poisoning has been a major issue in the Antofagasta region over the last 20 years due to water contamination, and dust pollution from copper mining. Locals inhabitants have suffered from chronic arsenic poisoning due to their consumption of contaminated water and contaminated agricultural produce resulting in skin, and cancerous diseases.
Artefact DNA = arsenic soil + salt crust + fermented iguana skin + plant cellulose + lagoon clay + sulphur ash
SERIES: ioX[AB]-UI664[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = carbon stone + raw iron extract + black iron clay + while feldspar ash + while sand ash + recycled banana root + grey granite sand + soil + coconut oil
SERIES: ioX[AB]-SI551[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = soil + fermented wood + turmeric dye + lemon extract, black iron clay + plant skin + long-wood extract + raw iron extract + sunflower shells + magnesium
SERIES: ioX[AB]-QI881[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = Sahara sand [io] + hydrangea root extract + soil + fermented wood + plant skin + sage + iron clay
SERIES: ioX[AB]-ZI635[boneAB]
Artefact DNA = bladderwrack powder + black indigo extract + watermelon seeds + artic moss plant skin + black iron clay + pink arnica + calicum + soil
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
PALM ASH + CACTUS ROOT VEGETABLE BAG
22cm x 20xm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for beauty and women,
fertility, medicine, health
Location = Ouarzazate, Morroco
(Sahara Desert)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
LION PAW FIRE + CAMEL FISH BONE MEDICINAL BAG
15cm x 20cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
symbol for strength
protection in mountians.
Location = Marrakesh, Morocco
(Atlas Mountains)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells + metal
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
BLACK TREE + LIGHT RESEARCH BAG
28cm x 24cm
SEMIOTIC MOTIF MEANING
the centre of the world of objects.
roots of knowledge, and leaves of life.
Location = Ghardaia, Algeria
(Sahara Desert)
Artefact DNA = woven camel hair + wool + raw cotton + shells
AA SERIES: xi/[BERBER]I9io
ENVIRONMENTAL POETIC FIELD NOTE BOOK
17cm x 13cm
Artefact DNA = Uv light stain + recycled leaf paper