From intricate Victorian dioramas featuring squirrels and frogs engaged in whimsical human pursuits, to a stunning array of taxidermy pets frozen in time, to hundreds of ashtrays and inkwells made from the preserved hooves of horses, this exhibition explores the curious human drive to possess, preserve and memorialize other members of the animal kingdom via the astounding taxidermy collection of JD Powe.
The exhibit strives to entertain and enlighten as it explores the tenuous modus vivendi of oscillating between joy and madness that is known only to the most dedicated of collectors, while bridging the gap between past and present cultural norms. It will also offer a tantalizing glimpse into the unique mind-space of an antique taxidermy collector's attempt to strike the precarious balance between benign pastime and outright obsession.
* Special thanks to Zach Ishmael, photographer, for images from Best Friends Forever: The World's Greatest Collection of Taxidermy Dogs, by J.D. Powe (Cernunnos/Abrams 2021).
The exhibit strives to entertain and enlighten as it explores the tenuous modus vivendi of oscillating between joy and madness that is known only to the most dedicated of collectors, while bridging the gap between past and present cultural norms. It will also offer a tantalizing glimpse into the unique mind-space of an antique taxidermy collector's attempt to strike the precarious balance between benign pastime and outright obsession.
* Special thanks to Zach Ishmael, photographer, for images from Best Friends Forever: The World's Greatest Collection of Taxidermy Dogs, by J.D. Powe (Cernunnos/Abrams 2021).
The Nature of the Beast, Installation view.
A collector of rare and antique taxidermy, author and curator JD Powe earned a B.A. in the History of Science from Harvard University. He has loaned specimens to the Morbid Anatomy Museum and the Adirondack Experience. His first book is Best Friends Forever: The World's Greatest Collection of Taxidermy Dogs (Cernunnos/Abrams 2021).
Morbid Anatomy is a project dedicated to the interstices of art and medicine, death and culture. Founded by multidisciplinary artist Joanna Ebenstein, today it is run by Ebenstein and Laetitia Barbier.
Morbid Anatomy is a project dedicated to the interstices of art and medicine, death and culture. Founded by multidisciplinary artist Joanna Ebenstein, today it is run by Ebenstein and Laetitia Barbier.
