What are a crystallized alligator skull, crocheted bird skeletons and a "couture taxidermy" peacock doing at the
University City Science Center? They are among the works of 12 artists on display at
Methods of Collection, a new exhibition opening this week at the
Esther Klein Gallery.
For almost its entire 40-plus-year history, the Center has employed a curator to draw the connection between science and art. The gallery itself -- which opened in 1976 and bears the name of a well-known Philadelphia philanthropist -- has a mission to use "the creative arts as a platform to explore relationships between art, science and technology."
According to Angela McQuillan, the current curator, the concept for the new show emerged from her personal experience. As a cancer researcher earlier in her career, she saw animal studies as "a necessary evil. It’s better to test on animals than on humans," she says. "But I also don’t think it’s right. So this is a difficult subject. This show is based on my feelings from all those years working in a lab."
And as the Center notes, "Preserved animal specimens have been collected for centuries for the study of natural history and the advancement of science."
McQuillan acknowledges the show’s ick factor for some viewers.
"Some pieces could be considered creepy or morbid," she muses. "I want to look at these things as objects of science and I want people to see the beauty in that… If [visitors] are grossed out at least they’ll think about it."
Among the pieces are:
- Embellished taxidermy birds by Philadelphia artist Beth Beverly
- "Alternative taxidermy" dogs made of breed-specific fur by Lauren Davies of Cleveland
- A stuffed bear with intricate embroidery depicting anatomically correct blood vessels by Deborah Simon of Brooklyn
- Pieces by Philadelphia artist Pierre Trombert, who will do a special performance piece at the opening reception: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 11 at the Esther Klein Gallery (3600 Market Street)
Methods of Collection will continue through March 25.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE is a partnership between the University City Science Center and Flying Kite Media that embeds a reporter on-site at 3711 Market Street. The resulting coverage will provide an inside look at the most intriguing companies, discoveries and technological innovations coming out of this essential Philadelphia institution.