This is a maquette for a public artwork of giant carved sandstone pollen grains installed at Darling Harbour. It was inspired by the science of palynology — also known as “the study of dust” — which examines microfossils of pollen and other spores found in archaeological or geological deposits. Poised between the microscopic pollen and the monumental final artwork, this model shows pollen grains from plant species found in the area that offer insights into its botanical and environmental history.
Maria Fernanda Cardoso was born in Colombia and is based in Sydney. Her practice is inspired by animals and the natural world and plays with the point of overlap between art and science. Her work On the Origins of Art I & II were exhibited as part of the exhibition “On the Origin of Art” at the Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart in 2016-17. In 2012 her Museum of Copulatory Organs was visited by over a quarter of a million people as part of the Biennale of Sydney. In 2003 she represented Colombia at the Venice Biennale. Her most widely recognised project, the Cardoso Flea Circus, has been exhibited internationally and was acquired by Tate Gallery, London.
Maria Fernanda Cardoso is represented by Arc One Gallery, Melbourne.
The Museum of Old and New Art
655 Main Rd
Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia
http://workingmodeloftheworld.com/Maria-Fernanda-Cardoso