Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis serves as both the title and the theme of this exhibition. Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal’s body structure through cell growth and differentiation. Some insects, fishes, amphibians, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and tunicates undergo metamorphosis, which is often accompanied by a change of nutrition source or behaviour. The characters of Tom Moore’s various artworks are in a state of metamorphosis; each of them a combination of plant, animal or machine. None are ever only one thing, they are instead grotesquely endearing.

Although his work is contemporary in its look, Moore cites a number of painters and writers throughout history as great influences of his work. One such artist is the early Dutch Master Hieronymus Bosch. In the triptych, The Garden of Earthly Delights, Bosch has depicted modern life as he saw it in around the turn of the 16th Century.

How does the idea of metamorphosis or transformation relate to both Moore and Bosch’s works?:

What sort of inspiration do you think Moore draws from Bosch’s work?:

Have a look at the central panel of The Garden of Earthly Delights; how does Bosch’s treatment of the subjects reflect Moore’s treatment of his subjects?:

What other similarities or influences do the two artists share?: