DaDa Fest - Pimp My Wheelchair
Commissioned to create new work for DaDaFest International 40, responding to the theme of ‘Rage’, Faith invited artist Janet Price to collaborate with her. Together they came up with ‘Pimp my Wheelchair’ a series of sculptures inspired by plants that use defence mechanisms to express rage against attack. From the thorn that pricks, to plants with leaves that close against touch, the new sculptures celebrate their challenge to ableism in the world. The plant inspired sculptures utilise a range of mobility aids combined with 3D elements created with waste materials such as plastics and fabric. The resulting sculptural installation is sited amongst the plants at Sefton Park Palm House, on view throughout the festival month.
PIMP MY WHEELCHAIR launched with an event on 9th March 2025. The launch event included a provocative celebratory procession, led by musician Amanda Quiggas on percussion setting a pace, clapped on by the audience. Faith is grateful to the procession volunteers who wore the artworks combined with a mobility aid.
1. Rose Thorn Stick - Faith Bebbington
2. Blackthorn Manual Wheelchair - Janet Price
3. Mushroom Underarm Crutches - Sarah Bush
4. Thistle Elbow Crutches - Grindl
5. The Sensitive (interactive) Plant Walker - Margaret Higgnet
6. Cactus White Stick - Tom Walker (podcaster for Dadafest)
7. Lords and Ladies Electric wheelchair - Shaun Fallows (poet)
8. Devils Trumpet Hearing Aid - Ruth Fabby (Patron of Dadafest)
The top photo shows Zoe Partington DaDa, CEO sitting in the colourful ‘Lord and Ladies’ wheelchair with one of her blue neon artworks “Nothing about us, without us” hanging in the foliage behind her.
Pimp my wheelchair launch event at Sefton Park Palm House March 2025.
About DDFI40
DaDaFest International runs from 8th-31st March 2025 to celebrate DaDa's 40th Anniversary and this time we are coming with ‘RAGE: A Quiet Riot’. DDFI40 showcases work by disabled artists that captures all shapes and sides of rage. From the internal quiet frustrations and righteous rage, to overt injustice and activism, DDFI40 explores disability rights, disability arts, access, ableism and ‘Rage’ in an explosion of creativity.
