Philippa Bentley  

This bird diorama reflects on personal memory and cultural historical contexts.

It is reminiscent of nineteenth century display cabinets of trophy birds, shot in large numbers in the name of 'preservation'. The 'skins' were prized by naturalists and private collectors at that time. I have used images of the former New Zealand bank note birds. As these notes are no longer in currency, and so the birds are 'extinct'.

Using cardboard is a refernce to the constructed nature of the early dioramas and the artist's childhood memories; school project cardboard shoe box dioramas and the wonders of the nature study table.

 

 

Finalist  and Merit Award Winner

NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards 2010