Repurposed tampons make an artistic statement
Portugese/Parisian artist Joana Vasconcelos is known for repurposing everyday objects into staggeringly beautiful works of art.
Image via joanavasconcelos.com and recycleart.com
This enormous sculpture is called Bride, and it’s made from about 14,000 OB tampons (Yes, the ones with no applicator — very eco). Vasconcelos repurposes objects like tampons and cookware into art to playfully examine our ideas about femininity and gender roles. Red Independent Heart, pictured below, is made out of plastic cutlery. Look closely to see forks, knives and spoons.
Independent Heart, via joanavasconcelos.com
Though not exactly recycled, Vasconcelos’s materials are given new life in unexpected ways. In Dorothy, below, stainless steel pans, lids, and cement form a giant shoe. The sculpture is part of a collection named after Disney characters and iconic women like Cinderella, Marilyn, and Carmen Miranda.
Dorothy, made of pots, pans, lids and cement, via joanavasconcelos.com
In another twist on traditionally feminine materials, Vasconcelos covers objects in handmade cotton crochet.
Television and ceramic sculpture covered in crochet, via joanavasconcelos.com
Do you love these works as much as I do? Why do you think she called that sculpture “Bride”?
*Best. Title. Ever.
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A tampon chandelier is a great idea! If you ever find yourself on the toilet in need, you can just yell “hey, would you grab me a piece of that there light?”.
tampons? Really? I suppose a using maxi’s would be more of a giant fan, than a chandelier. Love your blog.
That is some very cool art…I absolutely love it!! My favorite shown here is Dorothy.
Haha these comments are hilarious! Great find Tracy!
This is one bloody great idea — I wonder if the artist would consider making smaller version that you could buy. Talk about unique.
Maybe it’s called Bride because the artist is shining light on the fact that it is every bride’s nightmare to be in need of one of those little objects on her wedding day…
My favorite is Alice.
-RevGinaB