TO mark BP’s centenary this year, the company has commissioned five established and emerging artists from around the country whose inspired artworks will form an exhibition that represents BP’s contribution to Australia through the decades.
BP Australia president Andy Holmes from beginnings as a single fuel depot in Western Australia in 1919, BP now touches the lives of millions of Australians every day.
“Through the centenary artists program, we’ve represented the far and wide regions of the country, offering a glimpse of the role BP has played – and continues to play – in advancing energy in Australia,” he said.
“For 100 years BP has delivered energy for heat, power and transportation. A lot has changed during this time, but one thing remains the same: BP is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of busy Australians in a safe, innovative and sustainable way.”
The artwork will be displayed at events in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Perth over the coming months.
Artist profiles:
Charmaine Pwerle – Alice Springs
Defining a new representation of traditional indigenous art, Charmaine’s interpretation of BP’s Centenary hails from the stories passed down from her ancestors, in particular her grandmother, the late Minnie Pwerle, with the main focus in the piece being the ‘Aweyle Atnwengerrp’ dreamtime.
The small and large semi-circular shapes of the piece represent Australia’s hills and valleys, and the lines are that of dry riverbeds and streams, winding across the canvas as they do at Utopia.
Jesse Marlow – Melbourne
Award-winning Melbourne photographer Jesse Marlow presents a glimpse into life behind the wheel of a BP tanker.
The series focuses on the roads travelled between Darwin and Alice Springs, taking a candid perspective on what life is like covering great distances to deliver fuel to the nation.
Marc Leib – Perth
Glass artist Marc Leib’s contribution to the Centenary series is through six vessels, representative of BP’s humble beginnings, representing the growth of the company for the last 100 years via employment, revenue and expansion.
Each colour and pattern represents a different element of BP’s footprint into water, wind and oil.
Nicole Van Dijk – Melbourne
‘Possible Landscape’ by Nicole van Dijk depicts a landscape in Papunya, one of the communities hardest hit by the petrol sniffing epidemic.
The waterhole remains, the green reeds flourish – beyond the frame of this landscape, lives were saved due to the introduction of the lower emission fuel, Opal.
Ricky Gestro – Fremantle
Perth-based photographer Ricky Gestro explores the realities and
possibilities of BP’s past, present and future in a three-part photo series.
Focusing on the forecourt and BP’s service station customers, Ricky’s photography speaks to BP’s diverse and pioneering technology as well as capturing futuristic tones and BP’s recognisable green branding.
