Lee Cannarozzo
Mojavean Transmutations #2, 2018
Yucca Schidigera paper and Lamp Black ink derived from Yucca Schidigera
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art Collection
Gift of the artist
2022.01.001

From leecannarozzo.com:

Transmutation is defined as the process of transforming lead into gold, or more broadly the action of changing or the state of being changed into another form. The term derived from the lexicon of alchemy, can also be figuratively used to describe the process by which object-based works of art are created, contextualized and commodified. When an artist creates an object-based work of art, they are mediating the physical transmutation of matter into a marketable good. This marketable good acquires the label art when it is contextualized within an art space and then sold. The hypothetical work of art can either appreciate or depreciate like any other currency or openly traded good; demonstrating the inherent connection between object-based works of art and the market economy (a system of capital originally based on gold reserves.)

The works of art presented here were formed through the application of gold leaf upon reconfigured plant material from multiple Yucca Schidigera plants. The leaves of these Yucca Schidigera plants were gathered from private land in the Mojave Desert, and subsequently processed into two artistic materials: paper derived from the plant’s pulped fibers and a carbon based Ink derived from burning the plant material separated out during the papermaking process. This body of work was developed around the idea of creating a series of localized artistic products that call into question both the arbitrary valuation of art and the globalization of artistic material production. In order to solidify their status as works of art, they need to be assigned a monetary value. In keeping with the alchemically inspired title of the series Mojavean Transmutations, the value of each work is tied to the current price of an ounce of gold. In order for the figurative process of transmutation to be complete, fiscal participation from members of the viewing public is needed.

Image description:
A black ink line drawing of four spiky yucca plants in a desert landscape. Mountains or hills in the background are depicted as horizontal grayish brown band with wavy horizontal lines. The surface of the artwork is a yellow-beige color and roughly textured, with raised fibers casting small shadows across the surface. (written by Andrea Noonoo)