Uncertainty – Sandra Thomson

In Uncertainty Sandra Thomson examines the ways scientists seek to enable the ongoing survival of endangered and threatened species. Spliced bodies, missing limbs, distorted features create a confronting catalogue of these animals. Their concise visual messages are responses to scientific practices of gene editing, assisted reproduction and cloning.

Necessities for the continued existence of the animals? There is always uncertainty. Questions. Will that animal be able to survive outside a controlled environment? Will there be a habitat and community for them? Will the science continue to be supported? These animals are likened to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’s monster, pieced together and ultimately misunderstood. The artist acts like a scientist, cutting and reassembling, collaging this menagerie together. Depicted on sparse white paper devoid of habitat the animals, though retaining some of their natural majesty, are isolated, catalogued.

Thomson strives to capture the essence of each animal. Drawn with whispery chalk pencil over watercolour, the animals retain their natural movement. Hair ruffles, limbs claw, eyes are alert and emotive. Muscular frameworks give sculptural depth to the animals and creates presence in each artwork. With each fragmented and built animal Thomson creates new forms and striking embodied metaphors.