Artist swaps bricks for biscuits

Dave Ball's sculpture is on show at the Oriel Myrddin Gallery

An artist has used 10,500 pink wafer biscuits to recreate a notorious sculpture for a new exhibition in west Wales.

Thirty years ago the Tate Gallery's purchase of Carl Andre's Equivalent VIII caused a storm, with many critics asking why public money had been spent on a pile of bricks.

Now Dave Ball has used the sweet treats to copy the infamous exhibit for an exhibition called the Joy of Kitsch at Carmarthen's Oriel Myrddin Gallery.

He is one of 19 artists from across Europe putting their talents on show but gallery manger Rolande Thomas said it could prove tricky to ensure the work stays intact.

"We are not too worried about anyone eating it," he said.

The biscuits have been used to recreate Carl Andre's Equivalent VIII

"But he has left us some spares in case a mouse gets in and takes a nibble.

"I'm more worried about people accidentally kicking it with their feet."

The exhibition celebrates the ostentatious, gaudy, quirky and just plain camp.

Photographer Richard Heeps has provided images as varied as Liberace's piano and a rug woven to make the face of Elvis.

Welsh artists taking part include Swansea's Sandy Welch who will also be running a jewellery-making workshop at the exhibition's opening on Saturday.

Lisa Krigel, a Cardiff-based American has created an unusual array of ceramic teapots and Anne Reynolds, also from Cardiff, has used computer technology to create designs on fabric.

Mr Thomas said: "We were discussing in the gallery how a range of arts and crafts have struck us as kitsch and that it would be nice to have a kitsch exhibition.

"Suddenly it has taken shape."

Spare biscuits are on standby in case the notice is ignored

Mr Ball, 24 and from London, said: "I don't actually like pink wafer biscuits so I haven't been tempted to eat any along the way.

"As long as it brings a smile to people's faces then I think it will be a success.

"It is not intended as a satirical stab at minimalist art - its aim is more philosophical than that."

Holiday workshops are being run for children over the age of eight on certain days throughout the duration of the exhibition.