M12 Collective, Ornatarium (2011)
Artist: M12 Collective (Richard Saxton, Kirsten Stoltz & David Wyrick)
Work: Ornatarium (2011)
Partner: Denmark Arts & Greenskills WA (Centre for Sustainable Living)
Location: Denmark, Western Australia
During their eight-week residency in the southern town of Denmark, the Colorado-based collective M12 immersed themselves in the region's history, environment, and wildlife. The resulting work Ornitarium, a site-specific architectural sculpture and functional bird hide, was inspired by local knowledge and appreciation of the birds that populate the region's wetlands areas, regional timber types and building methods.
Ornitarium functions as both a bird observatory and social space intended to adapt to the needs of the Denmark community and environment over time. Ultimately a multi-purpose space, it provides a site for the observation and study of birds, a gathering point during a bushwalk, a place to spend the night, and a quiet spot for contemplation.
Cooperative Ornithology, the title of M12's gallery installation, is designed to complement the site-based nature of Ornitarium. The installation has been curated in partnership with master taxidermist, Michael Buzza (founder of the Museum of Natural History and the Academy of Taxidermy) and includes objects collected by Denmark locals, Basil Schur and Tina Smith.
