Between 1858 and 1869, Museum Victoria acquired 4,000 birds from English ornithologist John Gould. Of these specimens, 203 of the study-skins were prepared and placed into a display case that highlighted their iridescent feathers. Using the hummingbird display case as a case in point, I propose a method for working with natural history curatorial methodologies in order to highlight the critical work the curator plays in preserving our fragile environment.
My practice-led research is inspired by natural history museums, the methods they utilise to name and order nature, and the critical role they play in preserving our environmental heritage. Utlising a range of multimedia: sound, light, objects and consequent shadow, my research contributes to new ways of seeing familiar things in order to trigger the wonder and surprise that characterised early natural history collections. I engage objects as a mapping device to consider how they connect self to place and provide a forum in which to reflect on patterns of relationship between people and things.
By deconstructing, rearranging, excavating and decomposing the meticulous curatorial methods used to preserve and display extinct or endangered flora and fauna, I aim to re-present and invigorate new avenues for considering a personal response to the fragility of our natural world and the important role we play in caring for it.