In this project, started in January 2023, a dialectical process creates a physical and experiential representation of a baby. Exploring issues relating to perceptions of parenting for the childless.

The Rules

– For an independently funded project, when a client requests for a baby to be made, I’m paid 50% on “conception” and 50% on “delivery”.

– During the gestation period I discuss the baby’s features with the couple or single parent via words and photographs through direct messages on WhatsApp.

– After delivery the baby is presented to their new family, who become guardians.

– This baby is more than a unique commodity of visual art and can not be exhibited in a museum setting, only documentation such as images and films of the process can be shown. Each baby has a Gif made for them specifically to represent them in a gallery setting (see below).

– Therefore, the baby can’t enter a secondary market following delivery.

– Throughout the whole process the parent can have as much involvement as they like but must accept that some changes will occur naturally.

– I can only create one baby at a time.

– This dialectical process creates a forum to explore issues about making a bespoke entity.

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I developed the Surrogate project through talking with Gen-Xers and Millennials about changing attitudes towards parenting over the last half century, resulting in a collaborative process that works towards a physical visual representation of an absent, aspirational familial connection. The resulting finished piece is looked after and displayed in the home of the parent, not as a resolution but an acknowledgement that some emotional progress has been made.

Early Surrogate babies have featured sound making capabilities, including modular synthesisers developed with guidance from Harry Westbrook and Bristol Communal Modular.