“Human Extraction” is an immersive installation shedding light on the grim reality of mining towns, particularly in third-world contexts like Colombia. Its name is a poignant reflection of the harsh truth: in the pursuit of gold, human lives are often the first commodity mined. Big corporations, in collusion with complicit governments, exploit local populations, forcibly acquiring land for extraction through orchestrated conflicts and displacement. What remains in the wake of this ruthless process is a town ravaged by profound social ills.
The repercussions are stark and multifaceted. Communities are left grappling with pervasive issues such as prostitution, illness, and murder, which become entrenched in the fabric of daily life. The promise of economic prosperity touted by mining ventures quickly fades, replaced by a stark reality of exploitation and despair. Families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and social cohesion shattered—these are the lasting legacies of the extractive industry in many regions.
Through “Human Extraction,” I aim to confront viewers with the human cost of resource extraction, challenging them to reckon with the ethical implications of their consumption patterns. By depicting the stark realities faced by marginalized communities, the installation serves as a call to action, urging viewers to advocate for systemic change and equitable resource management. It prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of global supply chains and the urgent need for sustainable, socially responsible practices in the extraction industry.