the cause: Our Blood
Visualisation of Our Blood housed in its Norman Foster-designed pavilion outside the New York Public Library. Photograph Marc Quinn studio.
Our Blood is a major public sculptural artwork and collaborative social platform by artist Marc Quinn.
The sculpture was created using two identical cubes of frozen human blood; one cube made from the donations of 2,500 resettled refugee volunteers, and the other from 2,500 non-refugee volunteers. The cubes are anonymous, displayed in refrigeration units within a pavilion designed by architect Norman Foster.
According to Marc Quinn, Our Blood’s ultimate goal “is to create an artwork which is social, has a lasting impact and will raise both awareness and funds for refugees. I strongly believe not only that the world remembers through art, but also that art can change the world.”
The social aspect of Our Blood emerges from the concept of commonality. The goal of the work is to provoke consciousness of the plight of refugees, underscoring the need for empathy, solidarity and the recognition that in our fellowship as human beings, we are all connected. On the genesis of the project, Quinn said: “The idea for Our Blood began with the simple truth that my blood and your blood is the same; under the skin we’re all the same.”
Our Blood is supported by numerous prominent global voices who are donating blood and time to raise awareness for this urgent cause, including refugees Angok Mayen and George Okeny and non-refugees Anna Wintour and Paul McCartney, among many others.
Our Blood is not just a sculpture—it is a launchpad for storytelling and collective conversation. It is a library and a video archive, with each donor given the chance to contribute to the experience. And, vitally, Our Blood will raise funds for refugees through the sale of the artwork and through fundraising.
Our Blood will debut in Summer 2021 in New York City, and go on to become an international touring exhibition. For more information on Our Blood, including how to get involved or donate, and to view testimonials from blood donors, please visit ourblood.org.
Read more in Issue No. 4 of ALHAUS magazine—available now.