Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 590 - 591

This coin, made by Maurice Tiberius, is a little metal universe. It's not just an object, but a record of a decision, an act of making. See how the image is pressed, not painted, but that doesn't mean there isn't a material reality to how this piece came to be. The coin is so worn down; it's almost like it's been consumed by time. What’s left is an image that feels as though it is emerging or disappearing, or maybe both at the same time! I am drawn to how a raised surface has come to feel like a sunken void. There's a similar interest in surface and erosion in the work of Roger Hiorns, where the transformation of materials through time and decay becomes part of the artistic statement. The beauty of art lies in its ability to accommodate multiple viewpoints, accepting ambiguity and varied readings.