Lyn Huso

Right On

4 January to 24 January 2004

It takes a lot to shock man mountain Martin Johnson, England's World Cup winning rugby captain - but contemporary artist Lyn Huso managed the feat when she unveiled her latest controversial creation.

And now MPs will have the chance to view the rugby ball that makes grown men blush when it goes on display at the House of Commons next week.

Lyn - widely touted as 'the female Damien Hirst' - said Martin and fellow England star Will Greenwood were left almost speechless when she showed them her 'Right On England' rugby ball during this week's Frank Skinner Show on ITV.

It was displayed alongside the William Webb Ellis Trophy which the England team brought back from Sydney following their sensational last-gasp victory over Australia .

But the two sporting giants gave Lyn their full support for her plan to auction the artwork and donate the proceeds - expected to be at least £50,000 - to rugby charity Wooden Spoon which helps disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK .

Lyn's sculpture is of a rugby ball decorated with the cross of St George and two sanitary towels. It forms part of her thought-provoking exhibition at Coningsby Gallery, London, focusing on the menstrual cycle, and now, at the Lightgallery.

The mother-of-two is hoping to get the 'ball' displayed on the coach for the England team's celebration tour of London, or get it presented to the team at Downing Street or Buckingham Palace .  

Lyn, a former fashion designer from Exeter, Devon, is a big supporter of rugby and was inspired by the England team's performances during the World Cup.

She said: "Wooden Spoon are chuffed to bits that I'm going to give 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the ball to the charity. I am a contemporary, controversial artist but I'm a huge rugby fan. Martin Johnson was shocked at first but they were both really cool about it when I explained what it was all about. Martin and Will were really up for it and very supportive."

She added: "People seem to have adopted the ball and it seems to have come to represent the one that went missing at the end of the final in Sydney. I've had people queuing up to see it at the gallery and wherever it goes it provokes a wonderful reaction."

The 'Right On England' ball will be auctioned at Martin Johnson's Six Nations Preview Dinner at The Brewery, Chiswell Street , London, on February 4^th next year. It will also make appearances at Lawrence Dallaglio's testimonial dinner and at the England match against the Barbarians later this month. MPs will meet Martin Johnson and other England players, and will be able to see the ball on display, at a gala dinner celebrating the World Cup success at the House of Commons on Friday, December 12.

Wooden Spoon chief executive Geoff Morris said: "We are very grateful for Lyn's support of the charity and for donating the 'Right On England' ball to raise funds for disabled and disadvantaged children. It extends the 'Charitaballs' exhibition we recently ran at the Tate Modern. We hope that contemporary art collectors and rugby fans will want to take part in the auction which we hope will generate a significant amount of money for good causes across the UK ."

'Menstrual cycle'

Lyn Huso may be contacted on 0774 293 9989 or via Lightgallery

Commenting on the sponsorship of Lyn's Right On exhibition, Susie Hewson of Natracare said: "Lyn's work is closely allied with the Natracare ethos and her personality is one of daring and determination, another characteristic of Natracare. Her sculptures struck a chord with us and it was apparent that without any financial support, Lyn's excellent art would not get into the public domain. Original ideas and concepts need to be helped by being given patronage by companies in Britain. We support her daring and enthusiasm and hope that many will enjoy her art."

Natracare  website :   (http://www.natra.dircon.co.uk/English%20Home.htm)

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A London art gallery is to stage an exhibition on the menstrual cycle, featuring sculptures made from tampons.

Lyn Huso's Right On event runs at the Coningsby Gallery in London from November 24 to December 6.( Now extended at Lightgallery 4 January  - 7 February 2004)

The solo exhibition will feature sculptures made from organic cotton tampons and natural sanitary pads.

They'll be combined with recycled handbags, telephones and bicycles.

Huso says in coming up with her pieces, she's created what she calls 'T.art' work.

The Coningsby Gallery says Huso's art invites debate from both men and women on the age-old taboo of the female menstrual cycle.

(Courtesy : Ananova.com)