The term “artistic taxidermy” refers to an unusual form of taxidermy that differs from traditional taxidermy and decorative (artistic) taxidermy in that it offers taxidermists or artists the opportunity to create different shapes and meanings from material that would not normally allow for such variations. In reality, taxidermy in itself is already a complete art form, so the addition of the word “artistic” only serves to emphasize that there is a variation from a naturalistic preparation. In recent years, this form of artistic expression has gained popularity once again. The productions in this field are very different from each other and are the most diverse and extravagant. In my opinion, the term itself is used improperly. It ranges from the creation of costume jewelry and home accessories to animals dressed as dolls, chimeras, and much more to compose what is now called Rogue Taxidermy, to actual works of art with very high content and levels of communication. Opinions on this “art form” are diverse and conflicting.
Many critics are strongly opposed because they believe that it is disrespectful to animals to use their bodies and skins for any purpose, let alone artistic purposes. Other comments and opinions are strongly in favor of this art form, finding these artistic productions interesting, entertaining, fascinating, and culturally enriching. There is something for everyone and for all interpretations.
I personally started creating pieces of “artistic taxidermy” almost by chance. In fact, I started this job as a naturalist/taxidermist.
My personal inclination to transform taxidermy into something artistic came about by chance. During periods of little work and after years of experience, I tried, partly for fun, partly to experiment, and partly to play down the harsh daily reality of a taxidermist, to bring fantasy creatures to life, initially using only workshop scraps. By scraps, I mean unused pieces of skin, bones, leftovers from processing, etc. I tried to give life to my thoughts, my imagination, my darkest visions, my secrets, my desires, and my brightest ideas, and I transformed everything into fantastic animals. The objects took shape almost spontaneously. I was never inspired by any of the taxidermists of the past or present, nor by the type of taxidermy that is so fashionable today, Rogue Taxidermy, where pieces of animals are assembled to create purely decorative objects.
As a taxidermist, I discovered the more artistic side of this craft, in a journey of research that went far beyond what appears to be the mere ability to embalm animals.
I began to feel the need to create something with my own hands and with animals, using their skins, bones, or parts of them, as well as processing waste, which would first and foremost give them dignity and at the same time enable them to become tools of communication. My creations, my animals, speak about themselves but at the same time speak to those who observe them about those who observe them.
Artistic taxidermy, this particular branch of taxidermy, can have a profound effect on the collective imagination. More than messages, however, these are invitations to reflection, a continuous and multifaceted reworking of contemporary life, an attempt to use these animal remains as a mirror in which to examine our own faces, our society composed of humans and animals.
For a more accurate and comprehensive reflection on what I mean by artistic taxidermy and to delve deeper into my artistic production, I refer the reader to the Inanimus section, which contains links to journalistic articles, videos, and much more.