Charging Tesla Crash

Performance

2019

‘Charging Tesla Crash, a Speculation’ is a collaboration of Jean Katambayi, Sammy Baloji, Daddy Tshikaya and Marjolijn Dijkman. The performative installation returns to the utopian ideas of Nikola Tesla about wireless and available energy for everyone around the globe. The performance ‘charging’ the copper wire Tesla car reflects on the global inequalities present today.

’Tesla Crash, a Speculation’ by Jean Katambayi, Sammy Baloji, Daddy Tshikaya is a handmade 1:1 model of the notorious Tesla Model S in recycled copper wires using a special weaving technique. This wire construction is inspired by miniature replicas of cars made by the children of workers living in mining camps in Lubumbashi.

‘Tesla Crash, a Speculation’, reflects the enrichment of the global mineral industry against the background of a local economy that is still static and poor.

‘Charging Tesla Crash, a Speculation’ can also be presented as photo print or moving image.

Charging Tesla Crash, a Speculation
Collaboration of: Jean Katambayi, Sammy Baloji, Daddy Tshikaya, Marjolijn Dijkman

Performance developed for:  6th Lubumbashi Biennale, Lubumbashi, DR Congo, 2019
Curated by: Sandrine Colard
Supported by: Mondriaan Fund, Digital EarthTechnical assistance & construction of Tesla Coil: Lukas Pol (electro-technician)

Produced in the framework of On-Trade-Off, an ongoing artistic-research project that raises awareness about environmental and economic implications of the extraction and processing of Lithium, the main raw material needed for the global production of Green Energy, initiated by Picha (DRC) and Enough Room for Space (BE).

Charging Tesla Crash at the 6th Lubumbashi Biennale, 2019, Photo: Julien de Bock
Charging Tesla Crash at the 6th Lubumbashi Biennale, 2019, Photo: Julien de Bock
Billboard with 'Charging Tesla Crash', Walburger Wouters, Brussels, BE (2022)