The Manchester Hermit

Anopheles Mosquito

A live performance piece that is both intriguing and unusual has taken root at the Manchester Museum. For 40 days, artist Ansuman Biswas, aka the Manchester Hermit, will live in isolation in the Museum's gothic tower, reflecting and ruminating on the relationship between man, object and nature.  

Biswas states:

"I see this role as a chance to channel the natural feelings of awe and wonder we feel at the incredible diversity that is around us, and a chance to celebrate the small, quiet things that are often forgotten. Amongst the many physical objects in its collection the Museum has chosen to value a spiritual activity. I hope I can live up to this important duty."

Biswas' only interaction with the outside world will be one-way internet communication via his blog, The Manchester Hermit, which holds his meditations on the museum's collections. Furthermore, each day Biswas choose an object from the museum's collection to destroy... that is, if no one steps forward to care for it. Seems a tad drastic, but proves a severe and effective commentary on decay, destruction and extinction... check out his blog for more on his process and how you can involve yourself in the conversation.

And, of course, if you are feeling a bit voyeuristic, be sure to check out his webcam. I've yet to catch a glimpse of the elusive hermit on the cam myself, but he is sure to make an appearance at some point (hopefully in a non-compromising position. awkward.).