Afterlife
Afterlife . The Whitaker DEC 2023- MAR 2024
Ruby Tingle presents her new work Afterlife, resurrecting the Whitaker’s off show taxidermy collection as new dioramas in a temporary ‘swamp heaven’. The show draws together installation, works on paper, music, scent and performance to create a multisensory fantasy wetlands, based on Tingle’s fascination with the habitat and new stories dreamt up from her personal experiences in nature.
Inspired initially by the Whitaker’s famous tableaux The Tiger & The Python, these new interventions echo the historic use of taxidermy where unnatural depictions of nature were favoured over scientific accuracy; the diorama has been adopted as a myth making tool. Environmental conversation undersets this new work- the fabrication of a dream afterworld, based on real living spaces for these dead specimens promotes Tingle’s belief that the idea of ‘heaven’ is already here on earth, in nature, and must be preserved.
Tingle will release a new single at the launch of the show, which will be available on all streaming platforms via No Such Thing Records, and on limited edition vinyl in The Whitaker Shop. A live music performance of the song and other material will take place at the private view on December 14th. This exhibition is made possible by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants.
Collaborators:
Simon Woolham: Performer (The Frog)
Lucy Haighton: Performer (The Turtle/ The Otter)
Steven Calver: Olfactory Scent Installation
KINRAR: Performer (The Swamp Reaper) / Music and audio installation
Angela Tait: Ceramic Installation
Lewis Lafond: Photography
With thanks to:
Pat Morris: The History of Taxidermy Lecture
Emma Liggins: Guest Speaker
WWT Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust: Education Resources
No Such Thing Records/ Kycker/ Blaudud Flies: Music release and Vinyl
Fourth Day PR, Striking Displays, G F Smith
'A sensual and artistic Odyssey- a mesmerising atmosphere, where every note and word seem to be meticulously chosen to create an immersive and intimate experience'' Iggy Magazine
'A lush and vibrant track that immerses the listener in the intricacies of her heart' Euphony Blognet
