The Unseen
The Urban Moth
The study of a completely fictitious species of moths that can react to the Anthropocene and change their camouflage to suit.
The project is a collaboration with Angela Tait a ceramicist and artist.
The concept is a reimagined species which lives within the Manchester Museum and surrounding area. These creatures have evolved rapidly to survive in a contemporary arena. The fine porcelain moths, each one adorned with photographic macro details from the museum, live on and amongst the collection, architecture and environs. The habitats, feeding habits and other notable details are contained in ‘The Urban Moth’, an entomological field guide. The essential reference book contains records of sightings along with remarks made by the authors over a period of observation.
This idea was born of a residency that the artists undertook with the entomology department during 2016. During the development phase of the residency the artists spent time photographing, drawing and exploring the collection of moths and butterflies. During discussions with the lepidopterists they started to consider the politics of the Anthropocene. The resulting Urban Moth project explores the influence of the human upon the planet whilst anchoring the project firmly within the educational
agenda of a contemporary museum.