Wee Ribbon

Wee Ribbon
Mixed Media Sculpture - Artist’s own urine & crystal composite
10cm Wide x 15m Long
POR

Urinating is a daily activity and a vital tool in monitoring our health. It is something everyone has in common yet it is said to be a taboo topic.

In 2010, I underwent a durational analysis of my own urine. I collected a sample every day for one year. I found my lifestyle was reflected via colours and clearly documented moments in my life. I never imagined a waste product that I simply flush away could be so fascinating. From my research, I crafted an artefact which aimed to question peoples preconceptions.

Wee Ribbon is crafted from my crystallised urine. It is a ribbon of time, documenting 365 samples of my urine, one for every day of the year. It is supported by a ‘Drinks Drunk Diary’; a record of every liquid I consumed within the same time frame. When Wee Ribbon is presented to the public they find a natural curiosity to make comparisons between themselves and my practice. Many search for significant dates in their lives and question what their urine would revel.

After interacting with Wee Ribbon, one is, of course, advised to wash their hands. Although interestingly according to Health and Safety Standards, Wee Ribbon has the same low-level risk as a filled nappy, an animal urinating or using public toilets. How does that make you feel?

In 2020, ten years later I decided to repeat my process. I’m interested to know, not only if I still have the same determination to sustain the project for another entire year but to see if my life changes will be visible. Most importantly my aim is to document how people’s preconceptions may or may not have changed and if I display it in a different format will it make a difference? The results of Wee Ribbon 2.0 will be revealed in 2022.

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