Collection: Gerard Geer - Illuminate

Illuminate is an exhibition of diaphonised specimens by Gerard Geer, showcased in antique styled glowing vitrines.

This exhibition will run from September 4th to October 3rd and will coincide with Chris Austin's solo show, Wake From Your Sleep and Vivid, a group show.

The opening reception has been postponed until further notice. We look forward to celebrating these shows with you soon! Melbourne is still under strict lockdown and will be until September 2nd at the earliest. We do not know if, when or how restrictions will be eased but we strictly follow all public health advice so please keep an eye on our socials for further updates.

Each specimen in the collection has been carefully mounted to showcase the delicate intricacy of the anatomy, and give the creatures a sense of life and movement. In creating these works, the artist seeks to foster a sense of intrigue and interest in the natural world, and encourage a connection to the organisms around us.

The introduction of illumination to the specimens simultaneously produces an otherworldly effect, imparting an almost ethereal and alien quality to them. Their handmade vitrines introduce an aesthetically pleasing and functional encasing, and their dimmable light switches allow for interactivity. This allows each specimen to be viewed, studied, and understood in a new light.

Diaphonisation (or diaphonization/clearing and staining) is a century old histological technique used to study skeletal anatomy. Predating the existence of X-ray technology, diaphonisation allows for the detailed examination of skeletal development in organisms ranging from foetal or embryonic to adult specimens. It involves the utilisation of a combination of biological and chemical processes to render tissues transparent, and selectively staining tissues for differentiation (such as calcified bone and cartilaginous tissues). This technique is incredibly useful for morphological study in biology, and also provides an aesthetically beautiful window into the inner workings of the creatures we share the planet with.

Gerard Geer AKA Articulated Imagination (Melbourne, Australia) merges creativity with chemistry and anatomy in his artistic practice. His fascination with biological processes and all things anatomical is integral to his work. Geer utilises a combination of naturalistic articulation of animal specimens and amalgamations of interspecific forms to create fantastical hybrid creatures.