Science, Poetry and ‘The History of Natural History’

A Conversation with Brandon Kilbourne

Abstract

While poetry and science are often perceived as very different, a closer look reveals that these two fields interact, inform and reshape one another in many ways. In this interview, Brandon Kilbourne discusses how his work as an evolutionary biologist, particularly his work at the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, has shaped his poetry. He notes that specimens found in museums hold tales of the more-than-human world in deep time. By including these in his poetry, he creates an awareness of the fact that the stories of the planetary system began long before humans existed and will continue long after we cease to exist. However, Dr. Kilbourne also notes the importance of drawing attention to the complex colonial histories of these specimens. Building on this, he explains how discussions of restitution and repatriation in the museum have inspired his writing. Reflecting on his time abroad, he also touches upon how coming into contact with different cultures has influenced his poetry and given him a new perspective on how poetry can cultivate cultural sensibility.