Jory Rabinovitz

In 1983, the U.S. government began minting pennies with a ratio of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper—an inverse of the previous formula of 95% copper and 5% zinc. The coin had become increasingly more valuable as a commodity of copper than as the molecule of a fiat currency. This decision would ensure to repress speculative desires to hoard, melt and debase the coin. Martos Gallery is pleased to present Eighty Three, a solo exhibition of new works by Jory Rabinovitz, on view from April 18 through June 7 with an opening reception on Friday, April 18 from 6 – 8 pm.

In this new body of work, Rabinovitz starts with common US one-cent coins. First separating pre and post 1983 coins, he then refines them to their base metal, copper and zinc, then oxidizes them to produce pigment—copper making Viridian Green and Zinc producing Zinc White. The pigments are bonded in place by fabric, brick and concrete and the cameos of the coins etched onto the metals.

Jory Rabinovitz is a sculptor. To see more click here. Or visit Martos Gallery from now till through June 7, 2014.