The theme for my wunderkammer will be a guided tour of the
horned animals. (animals with horns) The plan is to discuss how these animals
use their horns as displays and defense, and to try and draw some parallel to
how the museum is displaying these animals. I think this is an interesting
unifying factor for many animals and could provide some interesting link
between them and the differences in how different species use them. I think the
concept of animals displaying their power, usually for survival, is an
interesting thing to think about in the context of the museum, whose primary
method of relaying information about the natural world is through their
displays. The medium of the project will be audio, since the displays that have
these animals are relying primarily on visuals the audio will be a seamless
addition that will not interrupt the usual trajectory of the goer.
-guillermo
ReplyDeleteOK - so which creatures with horns and antlers do you think you will include? Will you include dinosaurs with horns as well? What about tusks - would those count under your classification?
Do some research in to the presence and use of horns in animals in relation to "sexual selection theory."
Of course horns and antlers and tusks are all biologically very different, and so obviously you need to do research into the biology of these structures and how they come about. I also will send you a article you all should read in your group about antlers in the Irish Elk and different theories as to why they grow so large in that species. You will want to explain the biology to the museum-goer as well, so work on this component as well.
ay
You must read teddy bear patriarchy by Donna Haraway! This essay explores imperialism in the museum and specifically talks about the symbolism of that. Also understanding the distinction between horns and antlers is crucial and may help your argument in symbols of power.
ReplyDeleteGoooood luck!
Magritte