Arts and Literature

Ashes To Ashes by Bex Melvin

Bex Melvin’s Ashes To Ashes is a life-size coffin fashioned out of used cigarette packets with a single fag sitting beside it, and while it may be initially interpreted as a statement on the effects of smoking, Melvin actually created to say something about the smoking ban and how she sees it as an attack on civil liberties.

"For me, the coffin mourns the death of having the freedom to smoke in public spaces. Once the smoking ban has passed, what will the government try to stop us doing next?"

To make the coffin more striking, it was made to measurements taken from the artist herself and is made up of 424 packets. That equates to 8114 cigarettes, which it would take a 20-a-day smoker over a year to get through.

Viewing the coffin

It is showing as part of the Last Orders exhibition at the Nexus Café. The café’s founder, Reverend Cris Archer, says the piece has been the one getting the most attention from visitors.

"The coffin has raised a lot of interest. People are struck by it and spend time looking at it. I love the way that a lone cigarette lies next to the coffin as if to tempt the viewer."

Last Orders is at at the Nexus Café in the Northern Quarter until 14 July (Weds to Fri 11am to 4pm and Saturday midnight to 4am). Entry is free.