Doubtful Species Installation, 2016

Doubtful Species combines the appropriated display language of the museum, structural glass, lighting and oil paintings (by the artist) to create an enveloping environment for the viewer.

The Doubtful Species installation has 3 components; the bench, comprising a series of cased exhibits, and two vertical panels upon which there are paintings of the ‘Doubtful Species’ and further vitrines.

The artefacts within the vitrines are attributed to a co-descendant human species. Through minimal intervention, they deliver natural objects that seemingly invite a higher interpretation and the possibility of connection with divine forces.

The encased objects form part of a human collection, valued and presented in a way that draws attention to their geometry and their apparent message. A ‘one-planet’ theme runs throughout.

The Doubtful Species installation seems to embody several layers of human action. The attribution of the encased objects to a fictitious co- descendant human species emphasises the curatorial actions of our own species in their presentation. Further human interpretations of the co-species in the form of historic paintings propagate a temporal legend but also give the co-species a presence which the viewer can feel. The paintings are configured to accuse and to lead.

The term ‘doubtful species’ was developed by Charles Darwin. Within the artwork, there is a useful ambiguity as to the meaning of the term and to which species the title refers.

The ‘Doubtful Species’ is, of course, a fairy tale, and we know the work can only be about us.