Book: The Portrait Now - Nairne & Howgate
Marc Quinn
Lucas, 2001
Human placenta and umbilical cord, stainless steel, perspex, refrigeration equipment 2045 x 640 x 640mm
A portrait of his son Lucas. I am interested in Mark Quinn's use of unconventional materials and the fragile qualities of this portrait. The sculpture won't survive without the freezer 'perhaps reflecting the fragility of life itself'. He has chosen to isolate the head of his son, who appears to be as young baby. I think this piece communicates vulnerability and dependence. I think it's a beautiful piece because he has literally captured a moment of his son's life.
This piece echoes an earlier sculpture 'Self' from 1991 which was made from nine pints of his own blood. however, he has extended a preoccupation with his own body and fragility to those around him.