Margin of the Universe

The work consists of objects made from over a dozen types of clay (which, due to their varying properties – such as shrinkage or firing temperature – are not always compatible). The resulting forms refer to the vision of man moulded from clay, present in, amongst others, Babylonian, Greek, Chinese and Egyptian mythology, as well as in the Old Testament and the Quran. My intention was to challenge the anthropocentric narrative prevalent at the Museum of Man, and to reinforce the story of humanity’s relational place in a world full of other beings. I drew on the observations of the museum’s educational staff, who have noted a significant problem among visitors in accepting the fact of their own complexity as human beings. Homo sapiens has Neanderthal and other racial admixtures; our great-grandparents came from all over, and the human body is inhabited by millions of beings – bacteria. There is a chance that if we recognise the complexity of our own identities, we will treat others with greater openness. In this context, I am particularly interested in the role of the museum, which is based on evaluation. Who is a human being? What is its definition?

I began working with the Museum of Man just as it was in the process of moving to a new location. All the exhibits (including human remains and mummies) were wrapped in bubble wrap and packed in cardboard boxes at the time.