Do Do
December 2019
Venture into the captivating pages of this illustration zine, where the story of the Dodo bird's extinction unfolds into a thought-provoking allegory of human colonization and its far-reaching consequences. In this poignant narrative, the boundaries blur between bird and human, challenging our traditional hierarchies and sparking a new understanding of our shared histories.
Each image holds up a mirror to humanity's pride and prejudice, casting a critical eye on our perceived superiority and the harm it inflicts on both our own kind and the natural world. As the characters of bird and human entwine and converge, we are drawn to contemplate the role we play in the fragile balance of life.
The demise of the Dodo bird is not just a tale of extinction; it becomes a powerful critique of human arrogance and shortsightedness. Yet, within this critique lies a call to humility, empathy, and respect for all life forms. As we leaf through this evocative zine, we are invited to reflect upon our actions, question our presumptions, and reimagine our place in the world – not as conquerors, but as conscientious custodians.
When I first came to the Natural History Museum of Oxford University, I was attracted by the dodo birds standing in the window. I could not imagine that once they were all over Mauritius, but finally extinct.
‘dodo’ in the Mauritian Creole language also means ‘sleep’
Dodo was identified as almost 70-90 centimeters in length which makes me design the character to be double-height in comparison to human beings.
