Eiffel Tower in Toilet Roll Tubes
Words and materials by Chris.
Photography and concept by Shana.
Here at the Dotsey.com Arts Centre we consider ourselves to be serious artists, although our work is often misunderstood.
Here, pictured in our studio, is our latest project, a replica of the Eiffel Tower constructed entirely from the cardboard inner tubes left over from rolls of toilet tissue and extra-strength kitchen towel. (Click on the thumbnail image to see the larger version.) The model shown here is clearly in its developmental stage. It is intended as part of a much larger exhibition provisionally entitled "Toward a Tubular World". At the moment the exhibition is still at the planning stage and a venue is still to be decided. But there is sure to be lots of interest now that we have taken the step of publishing these photos of 'work in progress'.
Tensions
Although the structure initially appears to be somewhat lopsided (one critic suggested the word 'ricketty') this was intentional. It is meant to symbolise the tensions that exist between various member states of the European Union. We chose the Eiffel Tower in order to focus particularly on France, as this was one of the founder members of the EU.
Choice of materials was an important issue for us. We used toilet roll tubes because we wanted to say something about waste. Firstly about waste in the context of a domestic setting. And secondly about the more controversial subject of waste in the political sense, as there are many who deplore what is seen as excess waste (food mountains and so on) within the context of the European situation.
Up Pompeii
Art afficionados will be pleased to know that we have another project lined up for when we have completed this one. We hope to produce a representation of the ruins of Pompeii out of builder's rubble. You think that will be easy? Well, we plan to build it to scale. Further details will be provided in due course.
