A reflection on value.
‘Mirrors for Gold’ starts as an exploration of the early exchanges between the indigenous civilisations in the Americas and the arriving Spanish conquistadors. The abundant indigenous gold was exchanged for mirrors, and other seemingly less valuable objects like glass beads, cups and bells coming from Europe.
Through a series of mirrors produced from fussed glass beads and gold platted mirrors, the project narrates several layers of the early exchanges and its implications. With an almost archaeological-anthropological perspective, the project offers a reflection on Colombia’s identity, aspects of colonialism and value. Same as the mirror, the project does not intend to duplicate the history, but to turn it around.
_
Graduation Project
Tutors: Andrea Trimarchi - Jeroen van de Gruiter
Year 2018 - Design Academy Eindhoven