Orphan Well Woes

Orphan Well Adoption Agency reimagines the future of Alberta’s orphaned oil wells.

The exhibition delves into the complex relationship between industry, land, and community. Visitors are invited to engage with concepts of care and environmental repair through a blend of photography, drawing, installation, video, and participatory art. The exhibition challenges the colonial-capitalist mindset of extractivism and promotes a reciprocal relationship with the land.

The public is invited to visit OWAA’s off-site office and a display of their work at Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery from Aug. 31 to Nov. 23, 2024. Orphan well adoptions will be facilitated on selected days throughout the exhibition.

Orphan Well Adoption Agency (OWAA) is an artwork by Alana Bartol (Assistant Professor, Painting). It was first presented at TRUCK Contemporary Art 2017 (Mohkinstsis/Calgary, AB). Since then, it has been exhibited across Alberta, and components of the project have been presented in galleries and festivals nationally and internationally. This exhibition includes a new video, installation components, photographs and objects.

Thank you to the Alberta Foundation of the Arts for a grant in support of this work.

Alana Bartol, Installation view, Orphan Well Woes, 2024, Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery.