Helmut Smit's The Real Thing is a Commentary on Access to Water
Alyson Wyers — November 6, 2014 — Eco
References: helmutsmits.nl & fastcocreate
As a commentary about the availability of branded goods compared to access to water, this art installation turns Coke into drinking water. The Real Thing was created Helmut Smit in collaboration with Martien Würdemann. The simple distillation machine was made possible by Synthetic Organic Chemistry Group, the University of Amsterdam and TU/e. The installation was photographed by Ronald Smits. It recently premiered at Dutch Design Week at the Sense Nonsense exhibition.
While The Real Thing does not do much in the way of providing access to water on a mass scale, the message behind the art piece is loud and clear. It definitely is a conversation starter on not just water issues and natural resources, but our priorities.
While The Real Thing does not do much in the way of providing access to water on a mass scale, the message behind the art piece is loud and clear. It definitely is a conversation starter on not just water issues and natural resources, but our priorities.
Trend Themes
1. Art Installations as Commentary - Art installations are being used as a medium to comment on social issues, such as access to water, and spark conversations.
2. Repurposing Branded Goods - Artists are repurposing branded goods, like turning Coke into drinking water, to raise awareness about resource availability.
3. Collaboration Between Art and Science - Artists and scientists are coming together to create innovative installations that combine artistic expression with scientific research.
Industry Implications
1. Art - The art industry can explore new ways of utilizing installations and art pieces to convey powerful messages on social and environmental issues.
2. Beverage - Beverage industries can look into sustainable solutions and alternative ways of providing access to clean water, while addressing branding and consumer priorities.
3. Science and Technology - The collaboration between art and science presents an opportunity for further interdisciplinary innovation in both fields, leveraging science advancements to create impactful art installations.
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