Project: Plumes and Pixels: Art Inspired by a Victorian Hat
Professors: Emil Polyak and Kathi Martin
History and Inspiration
For centuries, the breathtaking plumage of birds-of-paradise captivated humans, leading to their exploitation through the devastating millinery trade. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of these extraordinary birds were massacred to adorn fashionable hats, pushing many species to the brink of extinction.
However, this dark chapter gave rise to pioneering conservationists who rallied against the slaughter. Their relentless efforts culminated in groundbreaking legislation between 1913-1921 that banned the wild bird feather trade, marking a pivotal moment in the protection of birds-of-paradise and sparking the modern conservation movement.
Digital Twinning
At the heart of this project lies a vintage hat adorned with a bird-of-paradise specimen, held in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Through cutting-edge technology, highly detailed 3D models and interactive digital twins were created. This process took a place at ANS adviced by Professor Polyak.
The Inspiring Process
For interdisciplinary artist Rghad Balkhyoor, the opportunity to observe the vintage hat's bird-of-paradise up close was a profound experience. Inspired by the delicate feathers' resemblance to the Nuno felting process, where loose fibers are bonded to create artistic textiles, Balkhyoor embarked on a journey to weave a narrative through fiber art.
The Artworks: "Woven Narratives"
The resulting collection, titled "Woven Narratives," explores the complex relationship between humans and nature through the medium of textiles. In the piece "Threads of Nature," earthy colors and layered fibers depict nature's organic beauty, while striking red threads symbolize the destructive human desire for luxury that harmed natural resources.
The artwork "Paradise Plundered" takes a thoughtful look at the history of the birds-of-paradise and their preservation in museums. Layered, textured fibers in muted tones recreate stuffed bird specimens, while red lines represent both the dark exploitation that nearly destroyed these birds and the glimmer of hope from communities working to protect them.
Through the fragmented yet intricately stitched elements, Balkhyoor conveys the resilience of nature and the positive impact humans can have on conservation efforts. The "Woven Narratives" collection invites viewers to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the natural world while advocating for its protection and celebrating the crucial role of conservation.
