Specimens: i, ii, iii, iv

Specimen is a series of photopolymer etchings inspired by the history of studying and displaying "wet specimens." After discovering a collection in a French museum, I visited the archives at Bristol Museums and Galleries, where I got to examine their specimens up close. Suspended in jars and containers, they offer a fascinating, almost voyeuristic glimpse into their inner workings.

My work often explores the act of looking—who's viewing the artwork, when, and where. In Specimen, I focus on how these specimens exist for us to study, to get close, and to learn from.

The circular compositions evoke the shape of an eye, emphasizing the intensity of observation. The shadowy tones and intricate details drawing viewers closer, encouraging them to really take a good, hard look—just as these specimens have been examined over the years in museums and labs.