A single coin slot embedded in drywall—a fragment of a larger, unseen mechanism—stands both as an invitation and an enigma. Detached from its familiar context within the gambling machine, it becomes an object of quiet contemplation and unease. This work is part of a series that dissects and reimagines the anatomy of gambling machines by scattering their components into separate, disconnected spaces. Together, these fragments form a functional yet unseen network: the coin slot, roller wheels, and payout mechanism all communicate remotely. However, this machine subverts expectations—the person inserting the quarters will never witness a payout or any tangible outcome, apart from the quiet disappearance of their contribution.

The drywall backdrop amplifies the absurdity of the coin slot’s displacement, juxtaposing the mundane with the mechanisms of compulsion. The slot, stripped of its flashing lights and casino fanfare, becomes a stark and haunting reminder of our instinctual relationship with risk and reward. The work shifts focus from the promise of gain to the act of giving itself, exploring how deeply ingrained habits can be recontextualized to foster generosity—even when veiled in uncertainty.

This series is about rethinking the transactional nature of our actions. In an age defined by measurable outcomes and immediate rewards, the piece confronts viewers with the uncomfortable notion of acting without knowing the results, of contributing to an unseen system. By placing the familiar mechanisms of gambling into an unfamiliar framework, the work reframes compulsion as an opportunity for selflessness. The participant, left only with the act of giving, becomes part of an invisible, interconnected network, highlighting the fragile balance between self-interest and altruism.