Our Theme

Reproduction allows us to recreate things – from offspring to cultural artifacts – based on an existing model. It is a process that is omnipresent in society and each of our lives. In fact, that is how we all came to be. With the rise of technology and globalisation, ideas, objects and images are reproduced and reinterpreted at an even greater rate than before. As more people from different corners of the world connect and learn about other cultures, histories and religions, these notions are re-created in different forms.

Our exhibition aims to explore the meaning and implications of reproduction through objects. We examine its significance in a variety of disciplines. What are the ways in which human reproduction is talked about and represented in different contexts? How accurate are the imitations of nature in today’s man-made world? What were the implications of mass reproduction in the past and how does it compare to modern manufacturing? How do reproductions of ideologies occur through objects and are re-interpreted in the modern world? What are the political and economic consequences of images that are reproductions of the living?

In order to establish a consistent dialogue between our five main objects and explore the theme of reproduction from different viewpoint to its full extent, we have chosen to include additional objects (between two to four per section) in our exhibition. Coming from various time periods, backgrounds and cultures, they aim to give a well-rounded snapshot of the implications of reproduction in each discipline. A wide array of objects has given us the necessary breadth and depth to question their meaning and significance in the context of our theme.

Target Audience

This exhibition is intended for visitors above the age of 12 – younger visitors are welcome, however, the topics brought up may be sensitive or difficult for some children. Parents are advised to help their children navigate through the exhibition and help understand issues brought up. To accompany the exhibition, we have included music, videos and other interactive activities to engage younger visitors who are familiar with using digital technology. We have included hyperlinks to further resources at key points throughout the displays for those interested in finding out more about certain topics. We have tried to avoid overly academic language to make this exhibition accessible to young people, those outside academia and learners of English.

Navigation

Five different displays have been assembled which reflect on the multiple meanings of reproduction in society:

Human Reproduction

Imitating Nature

Mass Re(production)

Reproducing Ideologies

Reproducing the Living

These are organised into different pages, where objects resonating with each theme are showcased and explained. Complementary readings and videos have been provided within each display that you may interact with to explore a topic in greater depth. We recommend visiting the different displays in order – starting with Human Reproduction and finishing with Reproducing the Living – but each display is stand-alone and may be visited independently using the links above or accessed from the drop-down in the navigation bar. To enrich your exhibition experience, we have also created music playlists with suggested soundtracks for each display. Engaging with our audience is important to us, so there are polls distributed throughout the pages where you can share your thoughts about reproduction in society, and at the end of the exhibition, we have created a space for general feedback and comments. We want to know what you think about reproduction and society! Finally, should you wish to dig into the details, scroll down to the bottom of any page to find links to our bibliography, acknowledgements, disclaimer and our chosen licence for this work. We hope you enjoy!