Kevin Banks

slow cooker
K.BANKS 2024
_______________________________________

Boston’s Citgo sign is a 60-foot-tall illuminated billboard located at 660 Beacon Street in Kenmore Square. Installed in 1940 and updated with the current logo in 1965. The sign was designated an official Boston Landmark in 2018.

Citgo is a major contributor to global warming by refining and distributing fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide that traps heat and raises global temperatures. Its operations sustain fossil fuel dependency, driving climate change and global warming¹.

Meat and humans share the same essence. Meat is flesh without thought; humans are meat that thinks, dreams, and fears its own expiration. The only difference is awareness: meat does not scream at its fate — but humans can. As humans we are held hostage (depicted by the ransom note font in the artwork) by oil companies leveraging natural resources for profits as the world slowly cooks.

I don’t want to be mistaken for a hardcore climate activist. I’m an Artist, Bostonian, and Parent of teenagers. After a recent health scare my work took a turn in focus and I began to visualize what we’re leaving behind for the next generation. This artwork is a result of that concern.

Wood forms fabricated by Master Carpenter Steve Bamberry, These originals are now available directly from the artist for a limited time.

¹ Climate Accountability Institute (2024). The Carbon Majors Database.

SLOW COOKER

2024
DAY & NIGHT EDITIONS
Mixed Media
24x24 Inches
Acrylic on Double Layer Wood
Lustre Photo Printing
Wire Mesh
Varnish

SIGNED ON VERSO