The Glue Society

Fountain of Youth

2023

Paint, Steel, Fibreglass, 6x Replica Manneken Pis Statues, Recirculating Pump

Ephemera, Townsville

Allegorically, the Fountain of Youth is a mythical spring which restores the youthful spirit of anyone who comes in contact with its waters. Tales of such a fountain have been recounted around the world for countless centuries.

The Glue Society’s sculpture is an artwork which takes this idea and (literally) spins it. The work features six identical Manneken Pis statues, assembled in a circle, all peeing into a central bath – representing the competitive male ego at work.

But the work hides a secret. Where the statues rotate in sequence, eventually turning through 180 degrees before peeing onto the assembled crowd. The intended reaction is to bring out the youthful spirit in all those who witness and experience the moment.