ARK OF IMPERFECTION

MAURIZIO TOSCANO

Australia 2018

IN OUR QUEST FOR PERFECTION HOW CAN WE PRESERVE WHAT MAKES US TRULY UNIQUE?

What would we do if the age of perfection finally arrived and we were disappointed by the results? What if we came to miss those human imperfections that previously brought colour and grit to our everyday existence and we suddenly felt an urgent need to recover them? The Ark of Imperfection seeks to preserve such traces of our present imperfections as a lasting counterpoint to the perfection that may arrive one day soon. The Ark of Imperfection invites contributions from the public: a biological sample, and a quotation, a story or an image that captures a personal aspect of one’s all too human imperfection. It underscores the importance of storing the imperfections people value most. The biological samples will be locked away for the duration of the exhibition in tubes, and secured into one of 55 wooden panels that together constitute the Ark of Imperfection, while the written contributions will be open for inspection. The Ark of Imperfection asks that we all participate in writing a new mythology of perfection.

ABOUT

Maurizio Toscano’s present research as a lecturer in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education concerns the intersection between art, science and philosophy, particularly as it pertains to practices in science education and communication. His philosophical work deals with the metaphysics of science and its connection to aesthetics. Maurizio has drawn upon his past work as a scientist (PhD is in astrophysics) in collaborations with artists (e.g. Syzygy), in exhibiting original works (most recently in Flow at Counihan Gallery Brunswick, Australia), and curating student art-science exhibitions. Maurizio lectures in science education and communication, climate change, philosophy of education and environmental education.