2023

ice, chrome plated steel, thermoelectric generators, petroleum

During the artist's residency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, 'fountain01' was created and exhibited at the Fall Open Studios in 2023. This sculpture features a chrome-plated metal structure supporting a stack of melting round ice blocks of various thicknesses on a metal bowl. An oil lamp is integrated within the chrome-plated structure, inspired by the aesthetics of nearby Brooklyn gardens and featuring a unique fence railing design. Thermoelectric Peltier modules between the flame of the oil lamp and the lower metal shell of the fountain generate electricity from temperature differentials, powering the pumps that move water through the ice blocks. This process accelerates the melting of the ice, creating cracks and holes in the stack. The fountain's ephemeral nature results in a continuous flow of water sculpting the ice in distinct patterns until the temperature difference decreases and the pumps cease operation. The artwork symbolizes a competition between temperatures and forces, questioning whether the fountain will deplete its ice or oil reserves first. Ultimately, after 6 hours, the flame extinguished, leading to the gradual melting of the ice until only water remained.