Mirage is another diorama of discordant elements in the Curator series. I think of this scene as a vision a weary traveller might have in the desert. The architecture is partly ancient egyptian, the tree ferns are from Tasmania, while the palm is native to Norfolk island in Australia; the remaining foliage is Aspidistra from south-east Asia, the roses are from my garden in Buckinghamshire and, most unlikely of all, the Snow Leopard is from Nepal. This was inspired by an elaborate table centrepiece I had seen at a wedding, which contained a similar assortment of flowers and foliage from all over the world for the single purpose of looking beautiful. It’s a theme I enjoy exploring; is it okay because it’s visually appealing? Is it a privilege to have such a collection, or is it more sinister than that? When does a beautiful museum stop being educational and start being a monument to an empire? When does a zoo stop being a force for conservation and start being a theme park for screaming kids?

Acrylic on board

120cm x 60cm

2021-2023

Original artwork and limited edition prints available for purchase