Mattelaer, Johan: — For this Relief, Much Thanks…  Peeing in Art.

March 2018, (19 x 23,5 cm), 240 pp. English text, 200 colour ills,. hardback Even though peeing I ssomething we all do several times a day, there is a taboo around it. From an early age we are taught to 'behave' and to use 'decent' words for this physiological 'happening' that is necessary. Over the centuries this paradox has not gone unnoticed by many artists. Highly needed! Peeing in art is a journey through space and time, where on the go, silence is kept with all kinds of art forms. The reader-viewer discovers how artists have depicted peeing figures, male or female, young or old, human or often angelic. Stupidly surprised you suddenly discover in a corner a well-known artwork on a wall or a little angel that sprays grassy meadows = A detail that you as a viewer will notice for the first time and that you will never miss it again the next time artwork. The artists sometimes show the urinating person to be frivolous or just humorous, sometimes also out of protest or to make a statement. But the artworks always intrigue by the secret messages or symbolic indications that can often only be explained by insiders - such as the author of this book. The extensive background information about the artists and their work also provides insight into the sometimes complex history of the different art forms. A fascinating journey of discovery!