The Memory of Water (2017)

Collaboration with Mor Shmoshkowitz.

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In 2013, Nestle, in a move to privatize water wells, denied that water is a fundamental human right.

In 2016, the UN declared internet access a fundamental human right.
At first glance, the sink appears to be out of place in a technology-saturated exhibition: a home fixture that seems to be in the gallery space by accident. Only curious observers who try to understand how the sink works will succeed: any attempt to wash hands under the faucet will trigger a video of running water projected on the sink. The virtual water flowing in the sink is replaced by an icon indicating the presence of a WiFi network.

This action seeks to discuss the nature and necessity of natural resources versus technological resources. In a world where drinking water is unavailable in some parts, but where most people have smartphones, it is hard not to wonder about the place technology occupies in our lives as a "base product" without which we cannot manage to live our lives. However, in this artwork, it is the technology that needs us. Without an active human participant, the sink remains orphaned and pointless, hardly an integral part of the exhibition.

 

Found sink, found faucet, motion sensor, raspberry pi, mini projector.