My recent work has focused on the creation of peculiar biologies - hybrid and mutant creatures that reflect our changing biological and psychological relationship to nature in the face of biotechnology. These imaginary creatures do not represent seamless versions of a possible reality but rather, imply experimentation and investigation. They are constructed of diverse elements as in a form of ‘transgenics’, the surgical cutting and inserting of parts, the experimental mixing of the animal, plant, and human – a kind of Frankenstein mingling of species.
Claude Jones’s surreal winged sculptures and detailed drawings and collage are of mutant hybrid creatures. The meticulous fine-lined drawings, a mix of biological and mythological fantasia, call to mind latter day versions from a bizarre medieval bestiary.
The sculptures are grotesque celluloid centaurs, manekins and marionettes formed from doll parts feathers, ceramic and papier mache.
She has been exploring this theme of hybridism in a series of exhibitions since 2002 with titles including Mutation & Imagination, Hybrid states, Hybridism, Creature Couples and Strange things.
Claude Jones is recently returned to Australia after two years in Barcelona and Canada as the recipient of a travel scholarship on completion of a MA (Visual Arts) at Sydney College of the Arts in 2006. Her works are held in the collections of the AGNSW and Artbank and in international public and private collections.
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