Edited volumes by Pandora Syperek
Journal of Curatorial Studies, 2020
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Journal articles by Pandora Syperek
Journal of Curatorial Studies, 2020
In 2017, a 25-metre-long blue whale skeleton was unveiled in the Central Hall of the Natural Hist... more In 2017, a 25-metre-long blue whale skeleton was unveiled in the Central Hall of the Natural History Museum, London. ‘Hope’ became a symbol of the urgency of marine conservation, and of institutional relevance in the face of ecological devastation. However, the whale is but the latest in a series of dramatic installations of formidable specimens since the museum first opened in 1881. Originally intended as an encyclopaedia of nature, or ‘Index Museum’, the Central Hall’s history charts the intersection of exhibitionary aura and concepts of ecology. This article argues that the original Victorian framework, both institutional and ideological, continues to shape the museum’s ecological aesthetics, and therefore requires self-critical reassessment to be truly transformative.
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Science Museum Group Journal , 2020
The current ecological crisis and the call to decolonise museums can be catalysts for change, man... more The current ecological crisis and the call to decolonise museums can be catalysts for change, manifested both physically through exhibitions or redisplays of historical collections and conceptually through new curatorial approaches or interventions. This interview examines the strategies and considerations involved in a major redisplay at the Natural History Museum, London, in 2017. Here, ‘Dippy’ the Diplodocus was removed from the prime central hall location, causing a furore that soon gave way to celebration of its newly installed resident ‘Hope’ the blue whale, heralding a new paradigm of scientific display where an anthropogenic extinction narrative took centre stage in a world-renowned museum. Alongside the blue whale, a series of ‘Wonder Bays’ were installed which tell stories of evolution, biodiversity and sustainability. Curators Miranda Lowe and Richard Sabin discuss these recent displays in relation to extinction narratives, public ecological awareness, ideals of authenticity and the crossover of art and science. They reflect on how the politics of natural history display extend to broader global issues, including the illegal wildlife trade and decolonising the museum, focusing on presentations of marine life and ocean ecology to reflect their principal areas of expertise and the Natural History Museum’s recent ocean-themed programming.
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Book chapters by Pandora Syperek
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Reviews by Pandora Syperek
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Edited volumes by Pandora Syperek
Journal articles by Pandora Syperek
Book chapters by Pandora Syperek
Reviews by Pandora Syperek
Magazines and blogs by Pandora Syperek