Because You’re Worth It

Caroline Thomas

January 17th - February 14th 2022

Object & jewellery (2019 - 2022)
Canvas, photographic print, sterling silver, artificial gold leaf, 24 ct gold leaf

In the centre of this canvas - which frames a graphic illustrating a variety of human skin tones - is a silver pin topped with a square of 24 carat gold leaf weighing 0.2 milligrams. This square represents the amount of gold contained within an average adult human body.

Gold is universally held to be the ultimate standard of value but if every human was literally worth their weight in gold, the monetary value of each of us would be negligible.

However, beyond the world of hard currency, worth is often a flimsy and elastic construct. A rare diamond may be worth millions of dollars in the saleroom while a mass-produced paste necklace can be of irreplaceable sentimental value to its owner. A person can simultaneously be priceless to their partner and an anonymous face in the crowd to a stranger.

If we are worth more than the sum of the elements that make up our physical bodies how can this be quantified? Or is it even possible?

By putting on this pin, I am hoping the wearer will be reminded of their own unique and immeasurable value. Because you’re worth it.

Caroline Thomas, January 2022
Wellington, Aotearoa