Could we value water more than we value gold? The sculptural installation Tubig Alat invites us to imagine water as if it were gold. This work inverts capitalist perceptions of value by offering a new way of looking at a crumpled plastic bottle. As we face various socioeconomic and ecological pressures, we critically need to reverse the script of what is considered valuable. As the Filipino saying goes, “May pera sa basura.” Let us begin to treasure those invaluable things that are often overlooked.
   Featuring 22 clay casts of the common water bottle coated in imitation gold leaf, Tubig Alat serves as a reminder that 22 million Filipinos nationwide still do not have access to safe drinking water.

Materials: Imitation gold leaf on air-dry clay casts
Dimensions: Approximately 1.5 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft
Year: 2024