‘Fountain 1999’ involves creating a self-destructing sculptural composition through the imitation of the act of peeing into a pool. This action represents dominance, power, and superiority on the one hand, and the inevitability of self-devastation on the other.

The object itself—a plastic bag—gains its shape and mass by being filled with liquid—yellowish water. It sits on a throne-like chair. As it ‘pees’, it depletes and ultimately disappears. While the sculptural composition continues to exist, it loses its primary actor, becoming empty, nullified, and dispersed.

This artwork, existing only in the process of its own disappearance, prompts reflection on the nature of art objects not as commodities with lasting material essence and transferable ownership, but as demonstrations of existence in dissipation and self-destruction. It highlights the inevitable demise of the object and form.

Materials:

- Plastic bag: Size H 120 x W 80 cm

- Plastic pool: Diameter 86 cm

- Chair

- Colored yellowish water to simulate pee

Duration:

The approximate time to empty the plastic bag is around 30-40 minutes (depending on the size of the hole)

Audience Participation:

The audience is expected to contemplate and listen to the sounds of the ‘pee’ stream

Description:

A huge plastic bag sits on a chair, ‘peeing’ into a plastic pool.

Greatorex Street Gallery
London, 2024

“Trash” exhibition by Bad Art