A Wardian Case

Miranda Bellamy & Amanda Fauteux

Synchronised 4-channel 4K video, 13:38, 2021

A Wardian Case introduces the flora of Kawau Island, home to Sir George Grey from 1862 to 1888. Grey’s shadow remains through the exotic plants and animals he introduced in pursuit of imperial prestige and prosperity. In quiet collaboration with the plants that endure, plant cell signals are sonified in chorus and cacophony. In hearing them, Kawau Island’s botanical transformation is traced and Grey’s legacy is unsettled.

A Wardian Case is accompanied by a text by Bruce E. Phillips is available online here.

This work is made possible through the generous support of The Canada Council for the Arts, Creative New Zealand, and The New Brunswick Arts Board.