This work is a homage to all of those affected by the 'Great War' of 1914-1918, to the women and men (including my grandfather, David Mitchell, who was a prisoner of the Germans for the duration of the war) and young boys who perished. And to the the women who lost their men and boys, whether it be father, husband, fiancee, boyfriend or brother.
It also pays homage to Marcel Duchamp who was a leading artist of the anti-war movement, Dada. It is exactly 100 years since he selected a porte bouteille (French bottle rack) which, along with his other 'ready-mades', changed the course of art in the 20th century.
The work can be 'read' in a number of ways contingent upon the viewer's personal experience and knowledge of art.
It is my intention to produce a visually engaging work which will raise questions in the viewer's mind about the nature of art and the consequences of war.