RimfrostThe Icelandic spar (Calcite mineral) has a historical importance in the scientific study
of light, and its polarizing properties is believed to have been used by the Vikings to navigate the seas on cloudy days.
However, the crystal is no longer legal to mine in Iceland, and thus the crystals sold in souvenir shops around Iceland are imported from Central America.
The cooling device constantly keeps the crystal below freezing, allowing the moisture in the surrounding air to condense on its surface and slowly freeze around the crystal. The more people visit the museum, the more ice accumulates, obscuring the crystal.
12x20x12 cm
Silfurberg crystal, Peltier cooling plate, Heat sink, Fan.
Wiolators: Reykjavík Edition, Reykjavik Art Museum, IS
2015