The Real Thing 2014 In collaboration with Martien Würdemann Made possible by Synthetic Organic Chemistry Group, University of Amsterdam and TU/e All Photos by Ronald Smits
In many places,it’s much easier to buy a soft drink than fresh drinking water. Dutch artist Helmut Smits, was frustrated by this example of how mass consumer culture can take precedence over basic human needs. It also seemed absurd to him that up to nine liters of fresh water are required to create one liter of Coke. To draw attention to this paradox—and to actually do something about it—he created The Real Thing, a contraption that turns Coca-Cola into pure, drinkable water. Via:www.fastcocreate.com
Smits built with the help of Synthetic Organic Chemistry students at the University of Amsterdam. The mechanics of the apparatus are fairly simple: As Coke is boiled, the released water vapor is funneled into a glass. Minerals are then added to ensure the water’s potability.
