8 December 2011

100 Pieces of Gum

"Photograph 100 pieces of chewing gum, display them in a way that removes them from their original setting and re-arranges them by form, relationship or something else."


Artist research:
Ben Wilson
Maurizio Savini
Christopher Boffoli.


I researched some key facts about gum, and some of my ideas developed from the following:
- Singapore is the only country in the world where chewing gum is banned
- Seattle has an official tourist attraction of a 'gum wall':




This gave me the idea that the world is covered in gum - everywhere except Singapore

I decided to cover a blow up globe in gum - except Singapore












My thoughts then went down the route of: "If gum can't go to Singapore - then Singapore will go to the gum"

I tried to etch famous Singapore landmarks out of a stick of chewing gum.

 Singapore's Merlion


 Raffles Hotel Singapore

Using the Merlion as the main landmark for Singapore, I began to re-create this as a small salt dough statue and covered it in chewed chewing gum:



This idea proved to be unsuccessful and I felt as though I had reached a dead end with this idea. 

I began researching into different foods/items that are banned in parts of the world.  Foods/items that might seem odd/intriguing to people from our culture, England in particular.   I wanted to continue with the globe theme and using them as a base for sculptural representations.  


Tomato ketchup is banned in primary schools in France - as it is seen to be ruining French cuisine.



Marmite is banned in Denmark - as it is a fortified food with added vitamins & minerals.



Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the United States of America - as they the toys inside are a choking hazard.


I feel this one hasn't worked as well as the wrappers were very difficult to cut to the correct size and they were difficult to give a neat finish to compared to the food products.  Using the actual kinder chocolate did not work as the melted product would not stick to the globe and once dried it cracked and fell off.  However I like this as a way of expanding the idea and starting a new route involving brands.

Final Installation:





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