Empty Vessel

In "Empty Vessel," Ian Kumekawa explores the multifaceted history of a single Swedish barge, which has served various roles across the globe, from a barracks during the Falklands War to housing for factory workers. This engaging narrative intertwines the barge's journeys with the complex forces of globalization, financialization, and neoliberalism, illustrating the interconnectedness of contemporary economic practices. Through the vessel's many names and transformations, Kumekawa deftly reveals how it embodies the broader dynamics of offshore markets, labor exploitation, and regulatory evasion, providing a profound commentary on the current state of the global economy.