15 May 2008

`Pepperpot’ a star at degree show

`Never work with children or animals’ is the old maxim but art student Graeme Plunkett has taken that risk by making his yellow canary `Pepperpot’ one of the stars at this year’s Degree Show at the University of Dundee.

A general interest in birds has led Graeme (21), from Dumfries & Galloway, to create an `enhanced birdcage’ which provides a stimulating setting for `Pepperpot’, who in turn can create a musical `performance’ by setting off a variety of sensors in the cage.

Graeme’s birdcage is modelled on a standard pet shop model but with a range of additions. "The sensors in the cage set off a variety of musical sounds, simulated birdsong and other noises," explained Graeme, a student in Time-Based Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

"This creates the idea of `environmental enhancement’, which is an area scientists have been working in to create stimulating environments for animals, particularly those held captive in zoos."

"At a different level, the cage also becomes an instrument for the bird as different sounds are triggered."

The project also mirrors the sensory instruments we fill our own homes with in an effort to keep ourselves stimulated. "We have televisions and radios and so on, which are an example of how we enrich our own environments. This is applying the same logic to the bird’s cage," said Graeme.

The University’s Degree Show 08, hosted by Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design and the School of Architecture, opens with a preview evening on Friday when thousands of people are expected to fill the venues. It is then open to the public from Saturday May 17th to 24th.

www.exhibitions.dundee.ac.uk.

Exhibition open:
Saturday 17 May 9.30am- 4.30pm
Sunday 18 May 9.30am- 4.30pm
Monday- Friday 9.30am- 8.30pm
Saturday 24 May 9.30am- 2pm

NOTES TO EDITORS
Graeme is available for interviews/pics etc.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk