7.62cms x 1.9 cms
Counterfeit US ten-dollar bill, inkjet print, drawing paper, thread, indigo cotton, vintage darning thread
One of two original amulets created for the Venice Vending Machine project, 2019. Each indigo cloth amulet is bound by vintage darning thread and contains an origami canoe made of a Chinese-Character emblazoned American ten-dollar bill (counterfeit). Inside the canoe is a scroll containing writings critical of the free market. Also in the amulet is a blue umbrella-shaped origami stuffed with blue threads symbolizing the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement.
Amulets are meant to protect and amplify wishes and desires. While these amulets, at first unwrapping, seem another plea for wealth, they are in fact agents of dissatisfaction.
“When my boat comes in” is an old American adage for hopes of wealth. These boats, made of a counterfeit ten-dollar bill, symbolize the questionable value of such a wish. Inside each boat is a small scroll containing writing critical of the free market system. The origami umbrella with threads is a reminder that markets don’t guarantee freedom, as the Hong Kong protestors involved in the Umbrella Movement since 2014, have found out.
Another winter looms. Will the free market warm the children living in substandard housing with little heat? Will it feed the elderly who have spent lifetimes in labor and child-rearing? Will it comfort traumatized veterans who have fought to keep their countries stable, safe, and prosperous?
7.62cms x 1.9 cms
Counterfeit US ten-dollar bill, inkjet print, drawing paper, thread, indigo cotton, vintage darning thread
Two of two original amulets created for the Venice Vending Machine project, 2019. Each indigo cloth amulet is bound by vintage darning thread and contains an origami canoe made of a Chinese-Character emblazoned American ten-dollar bill (counterfeit). Inside the canoe is a scroll containing writings critical of the free market. Also in the amulet is a blue umbrella-shaped origami stuffed with blue threads symbolizing the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement.
Amulets are meant to protect and amplify wishes and desires. While these amulets, at first unwrapping, seem another plea for wealth, they are in fact agents of dissatisfaction.
“When my boat comes in” is an old American adage for hopes of wealth. These boats, made of a counterfeit ten-dollar bill, symbolize the questionable value of such a wish. Inside each boat is a small scroll containing writing critical of the free market system. The origami umbrella with threads is a reminder that markets don’t guarantee freedom, as the Hong Kong protestors involved in the Umbrella Movement since 2014, have found out.
Another winter looms. Will the free market warm the children living in substandard housing with little heat? Will it feed the elderly who have spent lifetimes in labor and child-rearing? Will it comfort traumatized veterans who have fought to keep their countries stable, safe, and prosperous?
Kaishi Silent Boats
Sea Amulets
Refuge