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April 20, 2026

OPENING FRIDAY • Ariel West: The Register of Uncollected Petrodesires

For a limited time, The Register of Uncollected Petrodesires has been made available for public viewing. The first access to the Register since its inception by Ariel West will be marked by an opening reception this Friday, April 24 from 5–9pm, with visitation hours Wednesday and Sunday evenings through May 24.

OPENING THIS FRIDAY APRIL 24

Ariel West
The Register of Uncollected Petrodesires
with sound installation by Andrea Moreno
April 24, 5–9pm

A dark, slick pool of oil reflects light

For a limited time, The Register of Uncollected Petrodesires has been made available for public viewing. The first access to the Register since its inception by Ariel West will be marked by an opening reception this Friday, April 24 from 5–9pm, with visitation hours Wednesday and Sunday evenings through May 24. 

West’s archive of collective American desire as shaped by fantasy and petroleum is presented alongside a sound installation by Andrea Moreno. Within the R.U.P., petrodesire names recurring formations such as convenience and abundance; the compression of time and space; cleanliness and sterility; spectacle; the freedom of the open road; and the crumbling fantasy that nature can always be restored through technology. 

Flyer for The Register of Uncollected Petrodesires by Ariel West, with sound installation by Andrea Moreno. Presented by Isolde, April 24 through May 24. Opening Friday, April 24, 5–9pm at 55 West 8th Street, Fifth Floor* New York, NY with stair access only.

Before visiting, complete the Petrodesire Questionnaire to contribute to the R.U.P.’s ongoing research. Internal logs suggest complete collection of all petrodesires was never considered possible, but accumulation continues.

An example question from the Petrodesire Questionnaire reads, "How long does it take before inconvenience becomes unacceptable?" Multiple-choice answers include, "Immediately," "Within a few hours," Within a day," "I can tolerate it indefinitely," and "Other [fill in the blank]."

Isolde
55 West 8th Street, 5th Floor*
New York NY 10011
*Stair access only

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