I'm drawing parallels between my artwork and art of Banksy, with a particular emphasis on the notable incident in 2018 where one of his pieces self-destructed at Sotheby's auction house.
Overall, this event, which has become a hallmark of Banksy's subversive approach to art, has sparked my interest in exploring the similarities between my own creative vision and the rebellious spirit that defines Banksy's work.
Inspired by the avant-garde spirit of artists like Banksy, I've taken a unique approach in my work that has its roots in my education as a graphic design student at La Cambre in the late 1980s and in Brussels.
This early exposure to the cutting-edge design world of the time laid the foundation for my creative journey, which has since evolved in response to my own artistic vision.
I challenge the status quo by reimagining the iconic Campbell's Soup can, famously recontextualized by Andy Warhol, and repositioning it in a fresh and thought provoking way.
In my artwork, "Cyclebell's Soup", I draw parallels between Marcel Duchamp's pioneering concept of the "ready-made" in 1917 and the earliest forms of artistic expression.
Interestingly, this concept can be traced back to the earliest known human activities linked to female menstruation cycles, which may be the first source of "ready-made ink".
"Cyclebell's Soup" is a groundbreaking work that converges the uncharted territories of art, biology, and human history, yielding a striking figurative metaphor that resonates with the enigmatic and invisible themes present in Banksy's work, as seen in the pivotal incident at Sotheby's auction house on October 5th, 2018.
Inspired by Ed Ruscha's words, I've created a work that playfully subverts the expected narrative and challenges the viewer's assumptions, echoing Ruscha's statement that if Andy Warhol were alive today, he would likely create a Campbell's Soup that would shock us all.
My work "Cyclebell's Soup" draws inspiration from the unexpected twist of Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans, but more remarkably, I've found a surprising connection to Banksy's signature shredding technique in the biological cycle of the female uterus, which has a similar mechanism to destroy and regenerate itself, leading to a new and innovative artistic expression.
By drawing parallels between Banksy's shredding technique and the biological process of menstruation in women, I aim to challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation and women's bodies.
This creative comparison serves to illuminate an often-taboo topic, ultimately working to break down societal barriers and promote a more inclusive and accepting understanding of women's experiences.
In Banksy's work, the concept of shredding is a recurring theme that has sparked both fascination and controversy.
Through a clever comparison between the concept of shredding in Banksy's art and the biological process of menstruation in women, I aim to challenge the societal stigma that often surrounds these topics.
In my artwork, the "shredder machine" and/or the "biological shredder machine" symbolize the uterus' natural process, underscoring the significance of menstruation as a human right and a fundamental aspect of women's lives.
Overall, the "shredder machine" and "biological shredder machine" embody the concept of disruptive art, using bold and unapologetic presentation to challenge patriarchal norms and claim menstruation as a fundamental human right, working towards a more equitable and empowering society for women.
The artwork that comes with Banksy's magic packaging is a remarkable performance that includes a shredder machine, a performance act, and a life-shredded art piece.
This iconic piece, known as "Girl with Balloon" or "Balloon Girl", became a self shredding art piece after being sold at an auction in 2018.
The surprise twist of the shredding mechanism has sparked a lot of debate and discussion about the nature of art and its value.
My artwork, "Cyclebell's Soup", includes a biological act as part of its composition.
The description of the piece's content is accompanied by a "certificate of authenticity", which makes a striking statement about the importance of menstrual health and femininity, highlighting the significance of female bodily autonomy and the synchronization of the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle synchronization occurs when the onset of menstrual cycles of two or more women becomes closer together, either naturally or through being in a confined space for an extended period of time, resulting in a more synchronized rhythm compared to several months prior.
Since 2021, the creation of my artwork has been accompanied by a cycle of synchronization and timing, where the women or my 108 female models involved in the project have begun to menstruate at the same time and day, much like a perfectly synchronized mechanism.
On this day, the artwork is produced to help break the stigma surrounding menstruation for each woman.
However, small deviations from this routine may occur due to stress or other factors, which are intentionally incorporated into the game of my work as a representation of the complexities and imperfections of the human experience.
The process of menstrual cycle synchronization in my artwork can be seen as a metaphor for the biological clock, symbolizing the acceptance of self and one's natural rhythms.
The menstrual cycle, which typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 55, is a natural phenomenon that affects women throughout their lives.
On average, a woman will experience around 480 periods, with the amount of blood lost during each period ranging from 3 to 5 tablespoons of ready-made ink.
I designed a large, custom sanitarian napkin to be a integral part of my artwork and exhibition displays, serving as a safety measure to absorb any unexpected spills or messes, such as the humorous scenario of tomato soup coming from the artwork on the white wall. This provocative element adds to the drama of the piece, which can suddenly become a dramatic scene in red at any moment, echoing the infamous story of Banksy's sale at Sotheby's and hinting at the possibility of another unexpected twist.
The Cyclebell's Soup is a significant and historically important artwork that features 108 female Venus figurines, marking the culmination of a unique artistic project.
"Let the symbol of Venus remind us that at our core, we are all connected as primary cells, embodying the essence of the female voice and design."
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Wolfgang Petsch
[Glitch Minister] / author and artist
Drève des Chasseurs 137
1410 Waterloo - Belgium - EU
GSM: 0497.48.07.79
E-mail: wolfgang.a.petsch@gmail.com
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Conclusion
In conclusion, "Cyclebell's Soup" is a masterful example of disruptive art, using bold and unapologetic presentation to challenge patriarchal norms and claim menstruation as a fundamental human right.
Through its provocative and thought-provoking nature, it echoes the rebellious spirit of Banksy's work and questions the status quo.
By juxtaposing the biological cycle of menstruation with the art of shredding, it disrupts the status quo and sparks a new conversation about the importance of menstrual health, femininity, and female bodily autonomy.
This artwork is a powerful testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and push boundaries, leaving viewers to reevaluate their assumptions and consider the transformative potential of menstrual cycle synchronization.