“Pawn Shop, CO2,” Mixed media, 2019

PAWN SHOP, CO2

2019, Plastic, Steel and Wood

Dating to the Middle Ages, pawn shops have been iconically represented by three suspended spheres.

Similarly, three round atoms represent the Carbon Dioxide molecule.

This piece asks viewers to weigh the consequences of pawning the future of our environment for short-term, corporate profits.

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Artist: Michael Dinges

Artist statement: I am primarily influenced by the 19th century Sailor’s folk art practice of scrimshaw and the WW 1 Soldier’s craft of Trench Art. Both of these historic practices were made on the very materials that could maim or kill their creator. One on the bones and teeth of whales and the other on the leftover brass artillery shells from battle. In all of my work, I want the viewer to ask, “Is this what you wanted, are these the results you intended?”