The ‘Capacity’ series draws on the elemental and cultural associations of the materials engaged. Standard pieces of metal furniture have been loaded with reclaimed lead until breaking point and then gilded in 24ct gold. There are several levels of capacity, or perhaps incapacity, operating within the work. Firstly, the elemental capacity for lead to be turned into gold and further the exceeded maximum capacity of the broken furniture. While now technically possible, turning lead into gold requires vast amounts of energy at a cost that far outweighs the value of the material created, cementing the futility of alchemy with scientific knowledge and thwarting the wealth sought by the hopeful for centuries. |