WASTED PROJECT SUPPORT MATERIALS

Click the links below to view materials relating to the works, or explore the research and development behind Wasted.

Palaces | Trophies of Empire | Canope

Alternatively, explore RESEARCH behind the Wasted project

go back to the WASTED top level.

Trophies of Empire - summary

Blood stem cells harvested from adult bone marrow are routinely used for bone marrow transplants to treat patients with Leukemia. In recent years other distinct populations of stem cells have been identified in bone marrow that can be turned into bone, cartilage and blood vessels and have been shown to promote wound healing. These stem cells may be used in the future to treat patients, for example, with arthritis or heart disease.

Trophies of Empire comprises two objects resembling a stalagmite and a stalactite, each 2m in length contained within a large clear perspex cylinder.  One is made of growing salt crystals, the other of sugar, solidified like amber.  Contained within both are clusters of engraved femural heads.  Sugar and salt are both used as preservatives and corrosives.  Over the three-month exhibition, the salt grows and the sugar dissolves.  This piece has deep local significance in Liverpool, not only in the use of body parts and issues relating to permissions but also links with the history of the local international trade route to the Carribean and Africa with sugar (Tate) and the Cheshire salt mines. Trophies has also been developed specifically in reation to the history of the Bluecoat and is co-commissioned by them.

Trophies of Empire - designs

Salt crystals growing

Early tests to grow salt crystals on chicken bone using a super saturated solution. Click to enlarge.