Glade-Wright, Robyn (2005) Wreath for extinct Tasmanian plant Deyeuxia lawrencei. [Creative Work]

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Abstract

The capacity of art to communicate my concern regarding the extinction of plant life in Tasmania is the subject of my investigation. Extinct plants distil and foreshadow my broader concerns for the future of all living entities. The plants that are lost due to extinction are often the silent victims of our land use practices. "Tribute" is a depiction of grief and loss as a result of botanical extinction caused by human intervention in the natural environment. These eight digital prints commemorate disappearing Tasmanian plants.

Research Statement

Research Background	The extensive change in land use from native forests to single species plantations in Tasmania was sufficiently perturbing to elicit a response that culminated in this artwork. The disregard for complex natural ecosystems and the portrayal of monocultures as being equal to age-old native forests, in my view, required action to provoke consideration of what was lost. Extinct plants are the silent victims of changes in land use and habitat destruction due to climate change and introduced pests. To create a piece of art that might generate contemplation of what was lost, I aimed to make beautiful renditions of plants. I used symbolic forms such as wreaths and funeral urns to link plant death with human death. This strategy aimed to generate contemplation about the loss of possible relationships between living entities when a plant is lost to extinction.
Research Contribution	This artwork made a contribution to the field of visual art because it created a new vehicle for communication. Concern about the loss of Tasmanian plant species had not been rendered in this way before. The artwork used symbolic means and techniques which had not been tested previously.
Research Significance	The work makes an original contribution to the climate change debate. The significance of the work is evidenced by the way in which interstate institutions selected to exhibit and tour the work.
Item ID:	19732
Item Type:	Creative Work
Media of Output:	Digital image 50cm x 50cm
Additional Information:	Exhibited in "Tribute", 8th-29th March 2007 Cradle Coast Campus, University of Tasmania Burnie.
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2012 06:06
FoR Codes:	19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1905 Visual Arts and Crafts > 190502 Fine Arts (incl Sculpture and Painting) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9501 Arts and Leisure > 950104 The Creative Arts (incl. Graphics and Craft) @ 100%
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