De-extinction is no longer just a fantasy relegated to the realms of science fiction. As technology propels us toward the brink of reanimating extinct species, the questions of responsibility and remembrance arise. In a world where conservation and preservation are paramount, Tasmanian artist Emma Bugg sought to honour the memory of the enigmatic thylacine through her creative project.

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Bugg's work featuring the thylacine was showcased at the "Not Natural" exhibition at Science Gallery, Melbourne, in 2024. Blending modern technology with delicate metalwork techniques, Bugg fashioned a remarkable locket that served as a portal to the past. Encasing thylacine hair and DNA, this piece not only celebrates the beauty of the extinct creature but also serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to preserve endangered species.

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"Lockets hold sentimental memories by keeping them physically close. Often filled with photos of loved ones dear or lost, what would it mean to hold parts of our lost environment with the same regard?" said Bugg, whose work invites contemplation on the fate of the thylacine and humanity's impact on the natural world.
 

Emma Bugg is renowned for her innovative approach to jewellery design, constantly pushing the boundaries of material exploration and technology integration. Her practice delves into the storytelling potential of jewellery, encapsulating narratives within each piece.

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The locket sat at the centre of a collaborative installation with Professor Andrew Pask from the Thylacine Integrated Genetic Restoration Research (TIGRR) Lab at the University of Melbourne, which is at the forefront of marsupial de-extinction efforts.

 

Bugg's artwork encouraged viewers to contemplate the ramifications of reviving species on the verge of extinction. Exhibition attendees were urged to interact with the pieces and contribute to an in-gallery survey, sparking conversations and self-reflection regarding the topic of de-extinction.

 

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