Five centuries ago, the Flemish artist Hieronymus Bosch created an extraordinary work, The Garden of Earthly Delights, a painted triptych of curious and horrifying detail, warning against the consequences of human earthly desire and featuring a myriad of scenes unfolding simultaneously. Although the currency of its message now seems somewhat outmoded, Bosch’s painting is still powerful in its ability to fascinate and disturb.

Utilising imagery from international coinage, including human figures, animals, plants and elements of landscape architecture, Erin Coates has recreated the centre panel of Bosch’s triptych in a clever and pointed manner. Viewers are invited to closely inspect the varied scenes playing out on the artwork’s surface as well as the metallic palette, discovering an unsettling cacophony of violence and intrigue. Coates’ references to Bosch and use of coin imagery hint towards contemporary issues of greed and wealthy desires.

Winner of the 2008 Invitation Art Prize