Inflatable Wishing Fountain

The Inflatable Wishing Fountain revisits an ancient European ritual that is still very much alive in our societies today, and which consists of throwing a coin into a water source to attract good fortune and make wishes come true.
Inspired by the construction principles of urban fountains and inflatable objects, this work is part of a reflection on the representation of architectural and industrial codes in the collective imagination.

The architectural form is borrowed from that of the monumental fountain, a common presence in our urban landscapes since Roman times and the inflatable paddling pool, a familiar household object since the middle of the 20th century, the result of technological progress and the development of plastics.
The fountain dialogues with its surroundings at the Monnaie de Paris, firstly through its appearance, which echoes the building’s classical architectural forms, then through its golden hue which evokes the color of the precious metal and finally through its appropriation of the industrial processes familiar to the mint.

Taking place in the historic salons of the Monnaie de Paris, the exhibition Monnaies & Merveilles (Currencies & Wonders) is an invitation to explore the infinite variety of forms, materials and uses of currency.
The Monnaie de Paris has given the artist Bina Baitel carte blanche in the creation of an inflatable wishing fountain to complement the exhibition.

Photos: Bina Baitel Studio
Reference image: Jason Lee Parry