ratio-s
a three-dimensional illustration of the amount of (first) inherent metal in specific ore
year 2020
categories artistic research
Products & Furniturein collaboration with
Beno Ogrin
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_all_paperweights_croped2.jpg)
The new additional pieces within the ratio– series, called ratio-s are small desktop items such as a table-mirror and paperweights and two hanging mobiles.
Each piece consists of two main parts – the metal ore and the amount of metal which could be extracted from it. By making data tangible, the project highlights the fact that it takes a great amount of stone to turn it into a pure metal. Extracting metals requires a big amount of energy and changes a lot of landscapes. Thus, as consumers, we should properly value and appreciate the things around us and choose wisely what we need and want.
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mirror_Fe_detail_web.jpg)
detail of the mirror's engraving
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mirror_Fe.jpg)
small mirror made out of polished stainless steel inserted into a cut and polished piece of iron ore. The amount of material of the stainless steel mirror equals the amount that could be extracted from the base.
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mobile_al.jpg)
hanging mobile out of bauxite and aluminium
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mobile_cu_detail-800x1200.jpg)
2,2% of copper ore becomes pure copper
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mobile_cu-1-1200x800.jpg)
hanging mobile made from copper and copper ore
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_mine.jpg)
site visit to a quarry in Slovenia
there is no small mine - extracting metals reshapes landscapes
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_paperweight_Cu_2.jpg)
paperweight made from copper and copper ore
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_paperweight_Zn.jpg)
only 0,8% zinc are in enclosed in zinc ore
![](https://mischertraxler.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mischertraxler_smallratio_drilled-stone-1200x800.jpg)
drilled stones in the stonemason worshop
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material
zinc, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminium, ores of various kinds (zinc ore, aluminium ore, copper ore & iron ore), foil
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dimensions
mobiles: 55 x 4 x 30 cm
mirror: 12 x 19 x 30 cm
paperweights: 4 x 25 cm
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stonemason
Beno Ogrin
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team
Katharina Mischer, Thomas Traxler, Monja Hirscher, Elisa Polner, Adinda Rensen