Lauri Pavlovich

What can we learn from the bug world?

Many bugs disrupt the notions we have built around sex, gender and sexuality. Whether it is the hermaphroditic snail, fluorescent scorpion or our feminist phasmids - the insect world is full of rule breakers.

These playful dioramas display the colourful reality of nature – so let’s move beyond the binary. Each tank is home to a not-so-creepy crawly continuing to challenge cultural conventions; listen to each audio story to learn more about how each bug challenges the binaries of sex and gender. As unconventional as these animals are, each insect is harmless. What if instead of evoking fear, these insects were a glimmer of what is possible without a gendered glass ceiling?

An insect drag show anyone?

Lauri Pavlovich (they/them) is an 18-year-old trans non-binary young person. Their autism and ADHD impact how they view the world and their lifelong special interest in bugs and insects informs their practice. They have enjoyed working with various art mediums and performance spaces such as ceramics and creative writing. Lauri recently finished year 12 and is looking forward to the opportunities to expand their art and advocacy after school. They do work in advocacy, content creation and youth engagement through The Y, Brimbank City Council and various other organizations.

BUGS AGAINST THE BINARY