Katherine Rae Diemert (k.d.rae) is a visual artist based out of Hamilton, Canada. She makes art that explores our relationship to the natural and digital worlds. You can reach her at kdiemert@gmail.com.
Currents (Battery)
Winter 2025
Saltwater, copper, aluminum, wires, jars, light emitting diode, tower
4 x 4' diam. approx.,10 min Looping Video
Exhibited at Anna Leonowens Gallery in Halifax, NS, as part of Net Works
Filed under PROJECTION, INSTALLATION, VIDEO
Currents is a battery made of saltwater, copper and aluminum that powers a small tower. When the electrodes in each jar are submerged in saltwater, the aluminum loses electrons to the copper, which creates a very small electrical charge. By connecting the jars in series we increase the combined voltage, and the result is enough to power a small light. Over the course of the exhibition, this piece changes: the saltwater slowly begins to evaporate, the aluminum electrodes begin to break down and flake apart, and the copper electrodes build up a layer of oxidization, turning different shades of blue depending on the salt and acidity of the seawater. There is a lifetime to the battery; eventually the connections may fail, or the water dry up so much that it ceases to connect the two electrodes. It only takes one failed connection to interrupt the circuit, and stop the light from turning on.
︎︎︎clip of projected video
