The artwork titled “Chinese Petroleum” was created by Erro in 1978 and belongs to the Pop Art movement. This piece is a symbolic painting that juxtaposes various elements to convey deeper meanings and social commentary.
The artwork features a complex and dynamic scene that blends historical and modern elements. In the foreground, there is a reclining nude woman reminiscent of classical art, with her arm resting on her forehead as she lies on a richly decorated bed. To her left, a woman dressed in traditional attire appears to be holding an elongated object that extends outwards to the background. The background showcases a powerful and vibrant assembly of people waving red flags, indicating a scene of rebellion or revolution. This juxtaposition of the classical and the revolutionary creates a striking contrast, typical of Erro’s symbolic approach, often highlighting the tensions and dialogues between different time periods and cultural contexts.
