VENOM VOYAGE, 2023
solo exhibition
ETH / GTA EXHIBITIONS (Zurich, CH)
Curated by Fredi Fischli, Niels Olsen & Simon Gerard
For her show at gta exhibitions, ETH Zurich, Oyiri explores themes of colonial alienation and
alternative temporalities. A newly produced group of works highlights the discrepancy between the image of Guadeloupe and Martinique as idyllic holiday destinations and the reality the two islands face today – the contamination of soil and water due to pesticide used in farming, leading to severe health issues, most notably cancer.
The artist approaches the subject through the lens of her own personal involvement: her childhood memories of
happy holidays in her native country embroiled with what she faces returning as an adult
today. In VENOM VOYAGE, an immersive installation reminiscent of a travel agency, we are lured by familiar images of adventure, fun and relaxation, only to be confronted with the clash between the reality of toxic, colonized landscapes and our distorted imaginary of them.
Text written by Geraldine Tedder
solo exhibition
ETH / GTA EXHIBITIONS (Zurich, CH)
Curated by Fredi Fischli, Niels Olsen & Simon Gerard
For her show at gta exhibitions, ETH Zurich, Oyiri explores themes of colonial alienation and
alternative temporalities. A newly produced group of works highlights the discrepancy between the image of Guadeloupe and Martinique as idyllic holiday destinations and the reality the two islands face today – the contamination of soil and water due to pesticide used in farming, leading to severe health issues, most notably cancer.
The artist approaches the subject through the lens of her own personal involvement: her childhood memories of
happy holidays in her native country embroiled with what she faces returning as an adult
today. In VENOM VOYAGE, an immersive installation reminiscent of a travel agency, we are lured by familiar images of adventure, fun and relaxation, only to be confronted with the clash between the reality of toxic, colonized landscapes and our distorted imaginary of them.
Text written by Geraldine Tedder