Vase from ‘Snapshots of the Museum’

The work in this series is informed by multiple objects in The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. I’ve always had a lot of interest in museum collections generally; how objects are chosen and grouped and, perhaps, what is left out. Its particularly interesting how by being in this context, objects that were previously insignificant are given a new status or value. Their new function is to be a part of the museum narrative; snapshots of particular times, places, cultures and contexts. I was looking at the taxidermy collection with a particular focus on the extinct or endangered species (mostly birds). These animals are long gone, but they offer a physical reminder of humans’ need to dominate and manipulate other species.