2023

ice, chrome plated steel, thermoelectric generators, petroleum

'fountain01', created during a residency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program in Brooklyn and exhibited at Fall Open Studios 2023, is a self-consuming fountain system built from chrome-plated steel. The structure, inspired by Brooklyn's garden fence railings, supports stacked round ice blocks above a metal bowl.

Between the levels of the structure, an oil lamp powers the system: thermoelectric Peltier modules positioned between the flame and the fountain's lower shell convert the temperature difference into electricity. This powers pumps that circulate water through the ice, gradually carving patterns as the blocks melt. The fountain creates its own demise – as temperature differences diminish, the pumps cease to function.

The piece operated for six hours until the flame expired, after which the remaining ice slowly transformed into water, marking the end of its cyclic flow.