Tokens, 2024

Cast steel balls, cryptocurrency coins

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Presented as cast steel balls that are produced from catalytic converters and recycled scrap steel, Tokens, explores the value of waste material and the destructive effects of the extractive industry. Promoted as an efficient way of reducing air pollutants in vehicles, catalytic converters contain precious metals that are resold to extract the value of these metals. Having been heavily processed initially to manufacture the original catalytic converter, the ‘scrap’ car part is put through another round of extractive processes to obtain the miniscule amount of rare metals. In a constant state of becoming something else, these precious metals highlight the commodification of natural resources, and the environmental impact of mineral extraction.

 

As an extension of this exploration into material value and forms of exchange, the cast steel balls are also represented as a new cryptocurrency, CatConCoins (catalytic converter coins). As a cryptoasset these coins can be mined, burned (destroyed) and fluctuate in value, much like their physical counterpart.

 

If you are interested in acquiring the cryptocurrency tokens contact the artist info@david-beattie.net 

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