Katrina Cobain

Brine, Pools, Ponds & Wells

Brine, Pools, Ponds & Wells is a presentation of ongoing research into lithium as a commodity, pharmaceutical and hyper object through a personal lens. Focusing on cures and healing wells found in the landscapes of Ireland and Scotland; their influence on modern practices and pharmaceuticals is contrasted with Lithium’s history and commercial extraction process.

Healing Well is a performance which links the use of fizzy drinks in Ireland as home remedies for everyday illnesses with the high concentrations of Lithium present in the healing well Tobar na nGealt, in County Kerry, Ireland. Throughout the performance a well of Lucozade is constructed in the space, becoming a container to the hold ideas raised in the text being read aloud, regarding lithium’s discovery and usage as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of Bipolar. A tension is held as the cups are laid out and the liquid is poured, threatening to spill over at any moment. This tension heightened by the microphone, amplifying subtle sounds of balanced plastic and fizzing bubbles. The performance ends by both artist and audience drinking from the well. The resulting well remains in the exhibition as a sculptural document of the performance.

Altered Flame is a single channel looping video installation, depicting a flickering crimson lithium flame which threatens to go out at any moment. This work reflects the precarity of the supply chain of Lithium as an essential medication, by utilising the imagery of phenomena Eternal Flames to illustrate the need for medications in a reliable supply for those who use them. This work was first shown at URGENCIES (2025) CCA Derry~Londonderry.

Spodumene Study is a large drawing in graphite of a spodumene crystal, which is the mined raw material from which most of the world’s Lithium supply is refined from. This drawing has been folded numerous times and was made with this intention to connect it with the visual language of patient information leaflets which accompany medication, bringing together two objects from either end of the extraction and processing chain.

Footnotes is a collection of small objects gathered by Cobain on the duration of the studio residency. They offer insight into a methodology in her practice of collecting and using found objects to fuel research and connections.

Works:

Spodumene study, 2026, large drawing, folded paper, graphite

Healing Well, 2026, performance with sculpture, plastic cups, Lucozade.

Footnotes, 2026, Spodumene crystal, Wade Whimsie Guinea pig, Small lithium battery.

Altered Flame, 2025, single channel looping video installation.

Photographs by Erika Stevenson.