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Hard Alchemy

In Hard Alchemy, I gilded coins of the lowest denomination: one cent, five cents, and ten cents. In a gesture of superficial alchemy, most specifically chrysopoeia which is the transmutation of base metals into gold, leafing the coins transformed them into something new. The change, previously nearly worthless, gained new allure both in presence and and value. They are anachronistic as there are no longer coins made of gold used in commerce. The coins remind us of pirate booty and of foil-coved chocolates all while they remain recognizable as legal tender. They have become the embodiment of desire, while still clinging to the truth of low value.

Coins, 24k gold, 2016


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Alice Yard is the backyard space of the house at 80 Roberts Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain.

This was once the house of Sean Leonard's great-grandmother. Four generations of children played and imagined in this yard, and now we continue this tradition. Alice Yard is a space for creative experiment, collaboration, and improvisation.

Alice Yard is administered and curated by architect Sean Leonard, artist Christopher Cozier, and writer and editor Nicholas Laughlin, with the help of a growing network of creative collaborators. Read more about us here. Alice Yard is a non-profit organisation incorporated under the laws of Trinidad and Tobago.

http://aliceyard.blogspot.com/

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Special thanks to:

Christopher Cozier, Sean Leonard and Nicholas Laughlin of Alice Yard

Ashraph of the Frame Shop

Living World, The Journal of The Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club, Trinidad 2015
Ramayana: The Epic Journey, Sterling Publishers Private Unlimited, New Delhi, India 2010

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

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