Happiness (After Dodd), 2005 

Found objects, domestic furniture, linoleum flooring. Dims.: 400 x 300 x 200cms

Commissioned by De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, UK for the exhibition Variety, co-curated by Ian Breakwell.

Happiness (After Dodd) was a mini exhibition built entirely with material from the artist’s own home, which included 45 found objects, 10 pieces of furniture, and 5 lamps, all contained within the boundary of the kitchen linoleum. The only criteria for the selection of objects on display was that, given a moment’s consideration, these objects seemed innately sad. Objects included broken, grubby, and unappreciated things, unwanted Christmas presents, and stuff left behind by previous tenants.

With a nod to veteran comedian Ken Dodd and his trademark feather duster, or ‘tickle stick’, viewers could dust / tickle the display for the duration of Variety, after which the contents of this exhibition returned home and to their former existence.