Philosopher’s stone

The ‘philosophers’ stones’ were developed for the recent exhibition  ‘The thread of life and the philosopher’s stone’ in collaboration with Lee Eun Young in Arttra Amsterdam.

Carel’s objects are created by change. By compressing a thin-walled form of wax in a moment, a residue of this concentrated action is created. This is converted, via the lost wax technique, into solid aluminum to stabilize the strength and shape and also give the right weight. An emotional reference to the ‘philosopher’s stone’ arises. The philosopher’s stone (lapis philosophorum) in alchemy is, in short, a substance with which one can turn ordinary materials into precious metals (even gold!). According to the modern alchemist, the ‘Great Work’ is aimed at the enlightenment of the person himself.

Year / Years:2022

2022