Every Body Is A Well And Every Body Is A Fountain
Bacchae Fair, Romantso 2024

The fountain is inspired by the tragedy of Bacchae and captures the essence of fluidity, serving as a living tableau of transformation. In the Bacchae, every character undergoes a transformation. The god himself changes into various animals—lion, tiger, horse, bull—to escape the Titans sent by Hera, and then from animal to mortal. Pentheus transforms from king to maenad, voyeur, weak child, and slain deer. These transformations are depicted as salvific, with transgressions leading to changes in sex and nature, from human to animal, and from ‘reason’ to insanity.

The fountain's form is inspired by the shape of Arisaema species flowers, known as cobra lili or jacks, and the grapevine plant, the symbol of Dionysus. Arisaema flowers exhibit paradioecious characteristics, meaning an individual plant's blooms can change from male to female in different years.
The deep red water, drawing parallels to the wine and blood in the Bacchae tragedy runs through the pipes, continuously transferring water from one to another evoking the imagery of vital veins in a living organism, echoing Serres notion of "every body is a well and every body is a fountain". Fluidity is not just of one body but between bodies. The well becomes a metaphor for the interconnected vitality of all living beings, celebrating the ceaseless cycle of transformation inherent in the essence of existence.

Materials: Stainless Steel, Polymer Clay, Water, Food Pigment

Designed by Neda / Developed by ddasios