Dezeen Magazine

Recent work by Kelly McCallum

New York gallery R 20th Century has sent images of recent work by London taxidermy artist Kelly McCallum.

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The pieces feature various species of Victorian stuffed birds embellished with gold maggots or watch parts, conveying decay and the passing of time.

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Photos are by Sherry Griffin for R 20th Century Gallery

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More Dezeen stories featuring work by Kelly McCallum:

Fuck You and the Horse You Rode in On
Dezeen's top ten: Animals
Natural History at Selfridges
Jewellery and objects by Kelly McCallum
Dezeen presents: Menagerie at The Jones

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Below: Do you Hear What I Hear?, a Victorian taxidermy fox with 18ct gold plated maggots. Designed and made by Kelly McCallum, London, UK, 2007. This piece features in the new exhibition, Telling Tales at the V&A

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Here's some text from the artist:

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The grey film of dust covering things has become their best part.
- Walter Benjamin, Dream Kitsch, 1927

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Kelly McCallum's artist statement begins with the quote above.

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This is one of the jumping off points for her exploration of how things age -- how they decay or are preserved, are forgotten, are covered in shrouds of grime -- only to be found again and given new meanings.

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McCallum resurrects antique taxidermy and preserved insects through the application of sculptural elements inspired and informed by her training in goldsmithing.

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She incorporates antique watch parts, parasite insects cast in gold, precious jewels, eggs and other wondrous clues to an unspoken narrative.

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Her work is beautifully conceived, exceptionally well crafted and beguilingly mysterious.

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Above: Victorian taxidermied bird sculpture with gilt quail eggs, a nest of human hair and miniature jewel beetles, on a branch stand, 2008.

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Above: Victorian taxidermied bird sculpture with antique clock parts and pocket watch, on a branch stand, 2008

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Above: Victorian taxidermied bird sculpture with antique clock parts and pocket watch, on a branch stand, 2008

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