ARCHIVE
2020 edition
Place Royale
Fontaine
Elsa Sahal

Laden with sponges, coral, urchins and seashells, Fontaine is directly in line with the work of 16th century French ceramicist, Bernard Palissy.

This 3-metre colossus of pink-enamelled stoneware stands proudly in the basin of the Place Royale fountain, paying tribute to the triumphant femininity celebrated in the surrounding sculptural ensemble from the 19th century.

“This is a peeing statue, and the title thumbs its nose at Marcel Duchamp’s urinal. (….) In its continuous flow of urine, there’s the idea that little girls can also pee vigorously, far, and continuously. And, ironically, this is happening in a public space where only urinals for men are allowed! There is a manifesto quality to this sculpture, which is perhaps the most narrative, chatty, and feminist work I have ever made.”

ELSA SAHAL, FONTAINE, LE VOYAGE À NANTES 2020

COURTESY : GALERIE PAPILLON ET THE PILL GALLERY