Jane Edden is a British artist whose work is a synthesis of science, technology and art. In her 2001 exhibition at England & Co, she exhibited solar-powered insects in cases and glass specimen jars. The insects were not real, but were artificial and unscientific objects. These invented creatures had wings etched in brass using images from leaf skeletons and bodies made of sticks and nuts. They were presented in cases or in scientific-style sealed glass jars with small labels and solar panels. When exposed to light, the insects whirred into life. Another feature of her constructions has been her use of mechanisms which have to be switched on or operated by hand. She said that it is ‘like lifting the lid of a box to reveal an extra dimension, turning the viewer into a participator in the work.’ For the England & Co exhibitions Sartorial (2004) and After a Fashion (2005), Edden made a series of works based around clothing, including intricately fashioned minute garments made from hair, insect wings and feathers encased in clear resin blocks.
Recent work, first seen in her 2006 solo exhibition at England & Co, incorporates sound with photography. Scientific enquiry and observations from nature have combined with technology in Edden’s work ever since she received a BA in Industrial Design in 1988. She has exhibited in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo.