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Hour Glass by Barton Lidice Benes combines the ashes of two of his close friends, James Barden and Noel McBean, who died of AIDS-related causes within a few months of each other in 1995. James and Noel participated in discussions with Benes about the piece before their deaths, after seeing an earlier piece, titled Brenda, which consisted of iconic ribbons coated in Brenda's ashes. The grey ashes within the over-sized glass timer are surprisingly fine and light coloured, and more shocking, do not seem sufficient for the remains of two men. Disturbing and highly charged, it is impossible to stand before this work without questionning the significance of the human vessel, and the value we place upon it after death. Viewed alongside Athey's shroud, we cannot but reconsider our need to believe in some form of life after death or spiritual release. Hour Glass reminds us of the strength of love between life partners, the intense loss of those who are left behind and the reality of "time running out". Benes states that this piece is a way for James and Noel to stay together. He also narrates their love for travel and says "this piece was first shown in Sweden and toured to galleries in so many different countries - they've been all over the world together".