The Value of Collecting

(2026)

I draw my inspiration from my passion for video games and fan culture. Within that world I research and question the ways people behave and interact with their interests.

I question the value of the digital and physical objects related to games that I collect. Despite being made of cheap materials, such as paper and plastic, some of these objects can hold the same value as pieces of jewellery made out of gold and diamonds. I decided to play around with these values by using my favourite Pokémon, Wooloo. A character that holds no monetary value, but is still very precious to me and therefore has emotional value. I recreated Wooloo cards in brass, a cheap metal, but adorned it with various materials and techniques that are often used in jewellery craft such as precious stones, pearls and gold leaf. On top of that, I created my own sheep figurine based on Wooloo in different materials and quantities to mimic your chances of getting something of value from a Pokémon card pack. A large number of 3D printed sheep, 3 sterling silver sheep and 1 golden sheep.

To get a closer look at my collection and the way I express myself in relation to my interests, I took close up pictures of the various merchandise I have displayed in my room. From manga’s to plushies and items I use to play games, I jumped into my own little world where I can escape and feel happy while being surrounded by items that are related to the many fandoms, video games and music artists that I love. I recreated a few of the items in my room as small silver charms, to show how precious they are to me. As charms, I will also be able to wear it close to my heart and be able to hold it in my hands whenever I want to feel at ease.

By Emma van Brussel

Artwork

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (silver sheep), 2025

figurine, sterling silver

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (gold sheep), 2025

figurine, sterling silver and gold

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (Wooloo with Diamonds), 2025

Playing card, brass, sicepox, zirconia

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (Wooloo with Peals), 2025

Playing card, brass, sicepox, pearls

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (Wooloo with Crushed Diamonds), 2025

Playing card, brass, sicepox, diamond dust

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (Wooloo), 2025

Playing card, brass, sicepox

Emma van Brussel,
The Value of Collecting (Black Lotus, First Edition Charizard, The One Ring), 2025

Playing card, sterling silver, sicepox