Leicester artist begins new project inspired by Universitys animal bones archive
Artist Jo Dacombe is immersing herself within the Bone Laboratory in the School of Archaeology and Ancient History to understand how archaeologists generate stories about past human and animal relationships from the fragments of bones that are recovered through excavation.
Taking her inspiration from the laboratory’s collection of archaeological specimens and over 650 modern animal skeletons Jo will create a work of art, which will be exhibited in Spring 2016. Local schools and groups are also being invited to take part in workshops and sessions based around Jo's ideas.
The artist, from Leicester, said she wanted to look at the concept that bones, which have no worth, can become precious, and how archaeological items accrue value over time. By working with the academics she has learnt about the way zooarchaeologists use bone finds and how they can extract information from them.
The project will culminate next spring with an exhibition at Embrace Arts – the University's creative arts centre in Lancaster Road, in the city.
Dr Richard Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology, said: “It is tremendously exciting to have our first artist-in-residence within the Bone Laboratory. I am greatly looking forward to working with Jo and exploring how an artistic perspective on a scientific discipline can help communicate stories and ideas from archaeology in new ways, particularly to school children.”