Made Wianta created “Air Pollution” as a commentary on the environmental problems engulfing Bali today, as it transitions from a largely agrarian society into an increasingly urban sprawl. The installation comprises a snarl of motorcycle exhaust pipes, alluding to the traffic congestion plaguing Bali's roads. When it was first presented in Bali at the exhibition “Bali On The Move”, Wianta orchestrated a performance where 'smoke' spewed out from the installation, and visitors were assaulted by a soundtrack of revving engines, adding to the overwhelming sensorial assault of an urban environment. While “Air Pollution” was created in response to issues in Bali, its commentary on the city and urban congestion could just as easily be applied to other cities in Indonesia (such as Jakarta), as well as to other rapidly developing metropolitan centres across the world.
