Pure Life

The artwork presents a striking contrast. On one hand, it portrays seemingly pure, vivid turquoise waters reminiscent of a serene paradise. On the other hand, these waters are the toxic evaporation ponds for lithium extraction within the "Lithium Triangle” ("Triángulo del Litio"), a vast area on the borders of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. This stark contrast is a potent reminder that pursuing a future reliant on lithium-ion batteries comes at a significant cost to Indigenous Peoples, the environment, and biodiversity. Lithium extraction, which uses vast quantities of water, contributes to the decline in saline lake levels and the increase in salinity. Indigenous Peoples face a harsh reality: due to a lack of water for agriculture, they are forced to seek an alternative to small-scale farming. The empty water bottles, a symbol of the scarcity of available water, remind them of this dire situation. Bottled water, often from multi-nationals, is ironically labelled with life-affirming indications of purity. The artwork compels us to examine the conflict and injustice of resource exploitation in the Global South to pursue a more sustainable future. Oil on canvas. Actual size: 30.5 x 40.6 cm. The artist does not use animal products or rare minerals to produce artwork. Updated with minor typographical corrections: June 30, 2025.