The world of Lost Specimens is an in-depth reflection on the perpetual influence of humans on the earth’s flora and fauna, so deeply impacted by global warming and environmental degradation. These strange creatures of another time are a satirical comment on how the anthropomorphic pressures of today could result in these hybridized species of tomorrow; animals that were, are or will exist in a parallel reality of the future that could (almost) be real.
(Please click on images below for detailed photographs and species description)
Coined vegan taxidermy, I use forest detritus such as desiccated leaves, seeds and twigs to create these carefully staged beasts, each complete with an extensive description. Juxtaposing old fashioned worlds of science and taxidermy with unsettling notions of the future, every custom-made casing has a brass label on the front engraved with the specimen’s common name, Latin name, sex and year “discovered”; with their very own QR Code on the back, a state-of-the-art door which opens into these extraordinary universes, detailing their habitat, ecology, how they evolved, their reproduction process and life span.
Perhaps the viewer will rethink the truth behind these presented origins.
Are they real?
Could they exist?
How will our future evolve?