This series challenges the viewer to consider the hierarchies of life and the conflicting feelings humans have toward insects. I explore this dichotomy of insects as pests of insignificance vs. awe-inspiring marvels and a representation of the fleeting nature of existence.
With the assistance of the taxonomist/curator of entomology at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, I observed select fly specimens within their large collection of exotic and endemic species.
This body of work echoes the ‘scientist’s’ original observation. These fly specimens were collected and preserved for present and future generations, named, and pinned, stemming from an innate curiosity about the organism. This reflects my interest as an artist while painting and displaying these specimens. My intent is to spark thought surrounding insect and human relationships, equally vulnerable in a shared world.
The concept emerged from a fascination with New Zealand native insects and their diversity and complexity. My focus is the Interconnections between insects and the human sphere.
The fly remains small, elusive, and out of scale with humanity.
