Coin-Operated Wetland (2012)


Wetland plants, commercial washers, pump, water tanks, washing line, seating, signage, sand, gravel.

Coin-Operated Wetland collapses the distance between human and environment, confusing concepts of upstream and downstream. By directly connecting human action with environmental health, the work poses questions around ecology, co-existence, and the culture of engineering.

Yes, it could be beautiful — but will it be? Bring your dirties to find out.


Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation detail. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.
Installation view. ‘Tega Brain, 2012, Coin Operated Wetland,’ FirstDraft Gallery, Sydney. Image credit: Alex Davies.


EXHIBITIONS

Futures, Smithsonian Arts and Industries (2021-2022)
Firstdraft Gallery, Sydney (2012)

CREDITS

Thank you to Peter Gillam for his advice on wetland sizing. 
Thank you to FirstDraft Gallery for their support.