Troy Emery uses high-density foam moulds more commonly utilised by taxidermists, substituting the pelt for brightly coloured polyester pom poms and tassels. He refers to these sculptures as ‘fake taxidermy’ because they mimic the process of taxidermy without actually producing a real result. The particular animals he chooses to work with fall between being exotic and easily recognisable.
A tension between decoration and representation is present when looking at animals. Animals can be seen as decorative objects. Pets decorate living spaces, furs decorate the body, animal patterns decorate furniture, taxidermy decorates the museum diorama, and hunting trophies decorate the hunter.
Gould Galleries
Until 30 March, 2013
Melbourne
Wild Thing (Lonely Creature), 2012, 36 x 60 x 18cm
Courtesy the artist and Gould Galleries, Melbourne
