Paradise Lost
2023
Materials – Honey bee wax, pesticide residues in the honey bee wax (Difenoconazole, Carbaryl, Indoxacarb, Chlorpyrifos, Cyprodinil, Chlorantraniliprole, Trifloxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, Fluxapyroxad, Metolachlor, Cyantraniliprole, Atrazine, Tebuconazole, Penthiopyrad, Piperonyl butoxide, Thiamethoxam, Methoxyfenozide, Pyrimethanil, Mandipropamid, Picoxystrobin, Azoxystrobin, Tebuthiuron, Propazine, Fluopyram), tinned copper wire, tissue paper, dry ground artists’ pigments, acrylic paints, acrylic varnish.
Dimensions – 7.5 x 7.5 x 8.5cm
Paradise Lost, created using traditional wax model-making techniques, is made from honey bee wax provided by Dr. Scott McArt, Assistant Professor at the McArt Lab, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, New York.
The beeswax, newly produced during apple pollination, was collected from an orchard in New York State and analysed at the Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility. It was found to contain pesticide residues above the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) acute contact exposure levels of concern for honey bees. As such, these pesticides are listed as artist’s materials.
Wax has been used in the creation of scientific models since the late 17th century, with botanical wax model-making reaching its height in the 19th century during the advent of public museums. The translucency and lifelike quality of the material allowed artists to create realistic representations of plants, fruit, and fungi, engaging viewers with scientific discovery.
The work is based on a Gala apple, a popular variety in New York State, and continues this tradition. It aims to raise awareness of research into the widespread use of agricultural chemicals and their transfer from crops to pollinators, prompting discussion on the human impact contributing to the global decline of pollinating insects.
The title, Paradise Lost, is drawn from John Milton’s 1667 epic poem, invoking themes of the Fall, Forbidden Fruit, and the loss of an imagined Eden.
