Treasure

2020

Materials: Beeswax, pesticide residues in the beeswax (Azoxystrobin, Boscalid, Fluxapyroxad, Fenbuconazole, Penthiopyrad, Cyprodinil, Propiconazole,  Metconazole, Pyraclostrobin, Trifoloxystrobin, Difenoconazole, Buprofezin, Chlorantraniliprole, Methoxyfenozide, Coumaphos, Piperonyl butoxide, Atrazine, Metolachlor, Trifloxystrobin, Fenpyroximate), tinned copper wire, tissue paper, dressmaking beads, cotton thread, silk fabric, dry ground artists’ pigments, acrylic paints, acrylic varnish.

Treasure, created using traditional wax model-making techniques, is made from honey bee wax provided by Dr. Scott McArt, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, New York.

The honey bee wax, collected from approximately 10 colonies in central New York, at the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies, as well as from hobbyists and a commercial beekeeper in New Jersey, was analysed and found to contain pesticide residues. As the sculpture contains traces of these agricultural chemicals, they 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 development of public museums. The translucency and lifelike quality of the material enabled artists to create detailed, realistic representations of plants for gallery displays, engaging viewers with scientific discovery.

This work continues that tradition, raising awareness of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals and their transfer from crops to wildflowers and pollinators. It prompts reflection on the human impact on pollinator decline, urging questions about what we should collect, protect, and preserve in the Anthropocene.

Treasure was created for Collect Open at the Collect International Art Fair for Contemporary Craft and Design 2020.

The making of Treasure video is shown with credit and thanks to collector and owner Polly Devlin OBE.