Medusa, Ghost Orchid
The ghost orchid is unique to the Cayman Islands and subsequently a local favourite. The endemic plant derives its name from its flower – entirely white with hints of yellow near the outermost points of the tendrils – which resembles a ghostly figure. Because the plant contains no other foliage, when the flower is not in bloom and therefore missing its significant identifier, the root system can be overlooked in a mass of vegetation and accidentally destroyed, leading to the plant’s current threatened status. Here, the artists have captured the ghost orchid absent of its flower, focusing on the plant’s tendency to wrap and cling its thick roots to the bark of trees. The title Medusa brings forth mythological associations, comparing the array of roots to Medusa’s famous hair of snakes, both captivating in their beauty.
About the Artist
Bill Ferehawk and David Hartwell
Known as Collective Artist Collective, Ferehawk and Hartwell live and work in Los Angeles as commercial artists in the film industry. Together they have created numerous works and installations as an ongoing investigation into the ways places and histories are marked and remembered. This series of photographs was taken in 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park when the pair were Artists-in-Residence at the National Gallery.