Mark Dion at Carré d'Art - Musée d'art Contemporain

Tuesday, 28 November 2006 14:06

Ville de Nîmes, France - American contemporary artist Mark Dion has for more that 20 years explored the intersection between art and science, visions and knowledge production, collecting and modes of display.  By taking on the role of amateur scientist, collector, historian or biologist Mark Dion casts an often humorous but critical eye on the relationship between culture and nature.  In a variety of different installations and site specific projects Mark Dion investigates questions such as: In which ways and with which means do we explore the world?  Why did the 18th and 19th century witness an escalation in discovery?  How do we transform expressions of nature into culture?  How do we categorise objects and create concepts?  How do we construct history?

Mark Dion raises debates on the evolution of natural history, the role of the scientist and the (re)presentations of nature and ecological systems in science, museum displays, zoos and in art. Mark Dion also raises questions on the role of the artist (as an interpreter, performer, critic) and on the function of art (a free zone for critical debates, political statements or inspection of cultural value systems?).  By addressing the way we have come to see and speak of the world around us Mark Dion pays attention to the paradox between our common perception of knowledge systems (the evolution of history) - and our ability of proliferating imagery (storytelling).

Mark Dion questions for example the way we conduct exhibitions.  By proposing new taxonomies, contrasting historical facts and juxtaposing uncommon objects Mark Dion explores the museum as a metaphor for common knowledge.  The project will develop in five different sections which meet the main divisions of scientific knowledge as proposed in 19th century Natural History museums : department of earth science, entomology, archeology, ornithology, mammalogy.  A sixth chapter is centered on museums and the culture of collecting.  In each venue, the artist will complement his works selection with samples from the local natural history collection.  Exhibition from 7 February to 22 April 2007.