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Wax sculpture in black
‘A Study in Black and Gold #2’ features scrambling blackberry (Rubus fructicosus) plants in black, delicately sculpted using traditional wax flower making techniques, and dried insect specimens donated by a museum curator, mounted inside American lime and glass entomology cabinet drawers.
In this piece, the blackberries which in the wild provide an important source of nectar for pollinators,
appear to be growing inside the entomology drawer alongside the preserved bee specimens, highlighting
their mutually beneficial relationship.
Created exclusively for Collect 2025 and in response to the curatorial theme of Black and Gold, these monotone sculptures draw on the internationally renowned blackberry (Rubus) collection at the National Museum of Wales. To reflect this, the drawer is labelled by the artist as if part of a scientific collection.
Townsend's own observations of nature within the urban environment combine with her memories and experiences as a natural science conservator to create works that are scientifically accurate, yet artistically stunning - drawing us, through art, into a consideration and conversation about nature and its fragile beauty.
The piece can be be wall mounted or displayed flat and can be bought individually or as a pair.
