Oliver Walker

The UK is one of only three countries in the world not to have a written constitution. In an ambitious international project exploring trade, democracy and globalisation, Mr Democracy undertook the creation of a UK constitution. Outsourcing content and production to China, the world’s fastest growing economy, artist Oliver imported 1000 specifically manufactured plastic toys through the Port of Liverpool. They speak the constitution when pressed.

Developed in Shanghai at the East China University of Politics and Law, the constitution offers an insight into the notion of democracy that the West are so keen to export, exploring issues such as human rights, citizenship and nationality from an alternative perspective. The hidden processes of mass profusion and global trade, so integral to our relationship with China, were documented throughout the project with a live tracking device at The Royal Standard. The toys were shipped across the globe and arrived at the gallery during the Liverpool Biennial 2008.