With moth by Sue Peachey

Overview

Sue Peachey continues her inquiry into humanity's relationship with the natural world. This body of work returns to the collection of Canberra's historic Lanyon Homestead. It pairs utilitarian objects observed in the outbuildings of the homestead with endemic moth species. This pairing acknowledges the physical labour undertaken by workers and investigates the effect of the colonial endeavour on the natural environment. Referencing Victorian sensibilities, the themes of cheap labour, the extraction of resources, industrialisation, the introduction of pest species, and the importation of goods, values and religion are explored.