Loo Solo
An exhibition in the toilets of Moonah Arts Centre (Lutruwita/Tasmania)
The story behind this work started as a conversation about how there isn’t enough art to go in the toilet. Bathrooms are often wet or mouldy places that are difficult to decorate, customize and make your own. In addition the bathroom or toilet is often a place where people have forced solo contemplation time that doesn’t otherwise present itself in a modern busy life.
This project aims to explore ways to decorate the bathroom with art that is both contemplative and waterproof.
The exhibition was a series of tiles with paintings of people sitting on the toilet in a contemplative manner, hung in the bathroom at Moonah Arts Centre.
The challenge of creating waterproof art has made me think outside the box and use techniques or processes I hadn’t previously considered or learnt to use. It was a learning curve for me to learn how to make tiles from clay, the firing and finishing process which has led to me developing my skills in pottery. Whilst I have experience in painting and illustrating, painting on tiles is more difficult than paper and has expanded my skills in painting.
Toilets are typically a place of secrecy and filth and are rarely associated with art, which is why it is unexpected to see art in toilets because it is unnecessary so it often seems like a rare delight to come across. Art that is in bathrooms can be exclusive to the people who use the bathroom which often means that it is viewed solo and by fewer people than art in other spaces. By bringing people into the bathroom to view art I aim to start a dialogue about how art is necessary and possible in many unusual spaces.
Taking in art can be a different experience when you’re alone or in the company of others. There is something performative about looking at art in a gallery. Noticing who else is around you changes the viewing experience. It’s enjoyable to have something to look at whilst you’re on the toilet —but more importantly having a solo experience with an artwork, alone with your own thoughts and feelings can change your experience with it. Having a one-on-one experience with the work gives us an opportunity to connect with our more inner feelings which are often underrated.
I created this exhibition to address the lack of art in the toilet and the idea that this is an area worth decorating, and to encourage bathroom decoration at home and in public bathrooms.