Heirlooms of our time

The works presented in this exhibition explore significant influences throughout my life, especially those inspired by nature, travel, a passion for antiques, and the study of birds and botany—essentially a journey through natural histories. This collection reflects my fascination with these themes.

Translating these historical illustrations into my work felt like a natural progression. By combining them with studies and images from different eras, I aimed to craft a cohesive narrative that functions as a kind of botanical and ornithological archive—a collection that comments on time itself, on the things we collect, Heirlooms and our memories of the past. This process led me to contemplate the meaning behind such endeavours and, more importantly, how to make these studies resonate in a contemporary setting.

My trips through numerous antique shops uncovered the pervasive nature of memory and memorabilia. It evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of visits to a grandmother’s house filled with cherished ornaments displayed on walls, shelves and cabinets. Our urge to collect and preserve meaningful items mirrors the act of displaying these recorded elements of nature.

Our connection to the environment, our consumption habits, and the memories we cherish are incredibly powerful. This body of work acts as a thoughtful reminder of the environmental crisis we face. The core message of this endeavour highlights the urgent plight of many bird and plant species hanging on the brink of extinction.