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Minerva's Owl Begins Its Flight In The Gathering Dusk ...

The title of this piece comes from Hegel's reference to the decline and fall of Greek civilization. Harold Innis suggests the owl's flight began not only for the dusk of Greek civilization, but also for the civilization of the West.

Taking as my premis the idea that in our ever increasing pursuit of new technologies we will eventually destroy all life on Earth, Minerva's Owl looks at a planet devoid of sentient life. Only our machines will remain.

Minerva resides in her coffin-like box. Her form is mummified in beeswax, bound from head to foot in roots and vines. The vines wrapping her head close off her senses.

An owl/machine stands watch. Its head turns constantly as it surveys the area. If any one approaches, the head movement stops. The owl hisses; its feathers ruffle warning the intruder not to come closer.

However I take a more optimistic view. My owl has not yet taken flight; thus it guards Minerva, keeping her earthly representation safe, should the goddess of wisdom choose to return to this planet.

This electronic installation has been shown in France and Toronto, Canada.

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© Maggie Dorning. All rights reserved.