Tempus Fugit: A Gothic Inspired Collection of Art 

Welcome to “Tempus Fugit”,  a deeply evocative collection of art pieces that intertwines the stark reality of Tasmania’s roadkill crisis with the rich cultural traditions of the Day of the Dead and the haunting beauty of the Capuchin catacombs.

This collection, crafted from hand-shaped black coffins and medium-sized circular wall hangings, features repurposed animal bones from wallabies, paddy melons, feral cats, and wombats. Most of these bones were collected from roadkill, highlighting a significant issue in Tasmania, the Australian state with the highest number of road kills. The artist, while volunteering on a farm near Geeveston, collected these bodies, many of which were roadkill, but some were naturally deceased. 

This meticulous gathering process ensures that the art not only serves as a visual statement but also as a poignant reminder of the need for mindful driving, especially during dawn and dusk when these accidents are most prevalent. The overpopulation of wallabies and paddy melons, lacking natural predators, has exacerbated this issue, making it a well-known problem in the region. 

Drawing inspiration from the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, these pieces celebrate the deceased, bringing them to life once more through art. The use of glowing white elements adds an enchanting surprise, visible in the dark and enhancing the pieces’ eerie, yet beautiful appeal. This feature serves as a metaphor for the lingering presence of life, even in death, and invites viewers to contemplate the cycle of life and mortality. 

Another profound influence on this collection is the catacombs of the Capuchin monks, a Franciscan religious order within the Catholic faith. These friars used the bones of the deceased to create unique collages that adorned catacombs, crypts, and churches. This practice, reflecting the memento mori (“remember you will die”) and tempus fugit (“time flies”) philosophies, underscores the futility of life and the inevitability of death, resonating deeply with the themes of this collection. 

This “Reflective Roads” stands as the most gothic-inspired collection by the artist, blending the macabre with the reverent. The hand-shaped black coffins and bone-inlaid circular pieces evoke a sense of solemnity and respect for the dead, while also confronting viewers with the harsh realities of roadkill. 

This collection invites a meditative reflection on mortality, the impact of human activity on wildlife, and the timeless traditions that celebrate and honor the dead. Explore and immerse yourself in a dialogue between life and death, beauty and decay. Each piece challenges you to reflect on the transience of life and the importance of honoring the lives lost on Tasmania’s roads. This collection is not only a testament to the artist’s gothic inspiration but also a call to consciousness and responsibility toward our environment and its inhabitants.

Every piece in this collection is responsibly and legally sourced, ensuring ethical practices in the use of animal remains as per Tasmanian Wildlife Service regulations.