Emma Bugg’s brooch from 9-year-old Big Mac to go on show at Mona

Is it fashion or art or a bit of both? Jeweller Emma Bugg explains the thoughts behind her unique Big Mac brooch.

Hobart artist Emma Bugg who has created a wearable brooch out of a Big Mac burger that will be part of MONA gala auction. Picture: Chris Kidd

Who’d have thought a nine-year old Big Mac burger could be turned into a brooch?

Tasmanian jeweller Emma Bugg’s unique creation is part of Mona’s gala auction to raise funds for the Material Institute, a charity and non-profit founded by Kirsha Kaechele and also included in a new exhibition at Mona.

She said in 2013 she attended Ms Kaechele’s pre-wedding hen’s cleanse at a health retreat where a talk was given about healthy eating.

“We were told that Big Mac’s never go mouldy.

“I am a curious person, so had to test the theory for myself.”

Ms Bugg bought her first McDonald’s Big Mac in January 2015 and decided to transform it into a brooch.

“It shrunk around 10 per cent, the lettuce went brown, but no mould,” she said.

Hobart artist Emma Bugg who has created a wearable brooch out of a Big Mac burger that will be part of MONA gala auction. Picture: Mona/Jesse Hunniford

“It was quite surprising to see that neither ants, nor the resident rat in my old barn-style studio, nor even mould considered it food.

“It has been stored in the brown paper bag it came in, and has not been treated in any way.

“It is 100 per cent ‘au naturale’.”

Since she started her project she has eaten McDonalds “a handful of times and later regretted it”.

“It has made me think twice, and has certainly made me more curious about the ingredients.

“I’m not saying people should or shouldn’t eat it, but simply presenting the evidence, so people can make up their own minds. Food for thought!”

Ms Bugg said when she discussed the project with Mona founder David Walsh he was “intrigued” and suggested it be part of Mona’s Namedropping exhibition opening on June 15th.

It is hoped the Big Mac brooch will sell for thousands of dollars in the fundraiser.

“I imagine a philanthropic art collector with impeccable taste for the unique will buy it,” she said.

“Someone like American tech entrepreneur Austin Russell, Kanye or perhaps an international museum.

“Whether they wear it or not is hard to say – I imagine it might be more displayed as a conversation piece.”

Ms Bugg says the Material Institute funds vital programs including the 24 carrot gardens and she loves that “this burger will make a positive impact”.

“It’s like fast food giving goodness back to the community,” she said.

“I have a 2020 edition, and I’m creating a new brooch every five years to observe any changes that evolve.”

The auction is open for bidding until 12am Saturday June 15 at: https://app.galabid.com/mona-gala-auction/items