Miriam Sentler
Copper coins detail, Cacaofabriek Helmond, Fresh Cacao, 2016.
Wish Well (2015)
Sculpture, (30x30x25 cm), tap water, coppercoins, metal
Wish well is a work inspired by the ancient-old tradition of wish wells around the world and the action of making a wish when throwing copper coins into rivers, wells and oceans. Using copper coins that were collected from the bottom of rivers and wells, every single coin has its own intimate history of desires, longings and wishings. By building little towers out of the copper coins, the value of the item is questioned and the valuable material is being diminished to its chemical and aesthetical properties. After a few days, the chemical impact on the copper coins becomes visible in the aquarium. This physical transformation of the coins varies from location to location due to the amount of chalk in the tap water that is used in the sculpture. The copper coins thus react differently in every new place, creating a new, site-specific aesthetic.
Close up, Cacaofabriek Helmond, Fresh Cacao, 2016.
Exhibition view, Cacaofabriek Helmond, Fresh Cacao, 2016.