Symptoms | 2014-2015

laser-cut paper, site-specific installation, dimensions variable

Symptoms is a response to global ecological impacts with a focus on consequence. Among humanitys' more profound accomplishments is our contribution to rapid biodiversity loss and mass extinction. The ultimate consequence of ecological degradation for any life form is extinction.

An installation of over one thousand paper skeletons, Symptoms intends to register the invisible losses of the sixth mass extinction event currently underway.

At present, four taxonomic groups are represented in this work (amphibian, bird, reptile and mammal species); future developments of this work will expand to include fish and possible invertebrates and plant species. Paper was a deliberate choice for the medium, as it is a material that we take for granted, regard with little value and throw away or destroy with ease - an attitude that is aligned with our treatment of much of the 'natural' world.

The quantity for each animal representative in the installation is based on current estimates (as of Nov. 2014) from the IUCN Red List of known species threatened with extinction (excluding extinct species).


AMPHIBIANS: 40% | BIRDS: 12% | MAMMALS: 22% | REPTILES: 21%


FEATURED IN:

HATCHED, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Perth. 2015

YAI-14, M Contemporary, Sydney. 2015

Paper Works III, Brenda May Gallery. 2015

NAS Post-graduate Exhibition, National Art School, Sydney. 2014