Counter clouds: Rolling coal to protest the protestor

Counter-Clouds (CCs) is a sculptural exploration of the cultural phenomenon of "rolling coal" or "coal rolling" in contemporary North America. This technique of counter-protest relies on modifications done to fossil fuel vehicles (mostly diesel trucks) that can be used as physical manifestations of disagreement. Coal rolling trucks are capable of issuing large black clouds of smoke from their exhaust pipes, which is deployed against social justice protestors, electric cars, and any target the driver desires. These acts are recorded and posted online to be circulated in modding, car and counter-protestor communities. This multi-media sculptural piece explores the relationship between protestors, agitators, the climate crisis and collective action. With the use of video and audio elements of rolling coal, the viewer is positioned as the dominant value in the space, as the sculpture is primed to enact its anti-value (both visually and sonically) against the observer.