Renowned artist Fiona Pardington has unveiled a compelling new series of photographs that cast a spotlight on the extinct and endangered native birds of Aotearoa New Zealand. For over two decades, Pardington has dedicated her practice to documenting 'taonga' (Māori cultural treasures) and natural history specimens housed in museums across the globe. Her latest endeavour draws particular attention to the 'manu' (birds) that hold profound significance within Māori culture, revered as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds.
The genesis of this striking series emerged during a visit to the South Canterbury museum. Pardington was deeply moved by a collection of taxidermied native birds, many of which are now either extinct or critically endangered. This encounter ignited the concept for her new work: a collection of human-scale portraits that elevate these specimens from mere scientific objects to subjects of profound artistic and cultural contemplation.
By presenting these birds at a human scale, Pardington encourages viewers to confront the magnitude of their loss and appreciate their historical and spiritual importance. Each portrait serves as a poignant reminder of biodiversity decline and the irreplaceable heritage that has been, or is on the brink of being, lost. The meticulous detail captured in each image allows for an intimate engagement with creatures that many will only ever see in preserved form.
Pardington's work resonates with the ongoing efforts by various Government departments and conservation organisations, both in New Zealand and internationally, to protect endangered species and restore natural habitats. While her work is artistic, it implicitly supports broader conversations about environmental stewardship and the critical role of indigenous knowledge in conservation practices. The series highlights the enduring connection between Māori culture and the natural world, a relationship that informs many current environmental policies in New Zealand.