Untitled (Coffee), 1991
Etching, lead, coffee beans, in galvanized iron box, 65 x 45 x 7.5 cm (26 x 18 x 3 in). Edition of 25, signed and numbered.
Not available
In this edition, Jannis Kounellis expands his repertoire of elemental materials to include lead and coffee – substances rich in cultural and symbolic significance. While lead, a heavy and malleable metal, evokes associations with protection, transformation, and alchemical processes, coffee stands for sensuality, transience, and everyday consumption. The juxtaposition of these contrasting materials creates a charged field of tension, reminiscent of an experimental setup. Through this precise staging, Kounellis explores the dialogue between materiality, history, and perception.
