Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

2023

Materials – Beeswax, pesticide residues in the beeswax (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.

Dimensions –  20 x 20 x 21cm

Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, 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 beeswax, newly produced during apple pollination at Orchard “B” in New York State, was collected and analysed at the Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility. It was found to contain pesticide residues above EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) acute contact exposure levels of concern for honey bees. As such, these pesticide residues are listed as artist’s materials.