On 03 September 2021, NGCI held an opening for the new exhibition Terra Botanica in the lower exhibition hall. Translating directly as ‘the botanical’, Terra Botanica examines the ways in which artists have documented, researched, and celebrated the rich assortment of flora of our islands. Drawing on various media, the exhibition aims to explore the myriad ways in which botany has been documented and celebrated through art over the past several decades.
From histories of bush medicine, long-held religious and ceremonial practices, to personifications of nature within regional folklore and superstition, plants have played a central role in our cultural customs and traditional ways of life. Encompassing botanical studies that resemble ‘plant portraits’ and expressive interpretations of tropical flora, the exhibition honours the organisations and individuals who tirelessly work to preserve our ecosystems while educating communities on the importance of protecting our fragile natural surroundings.
While planning for the showcase has taken several months, the project has become particularly significant in light of the widespread destruction to our landscape caused by Tropical Storm Grace. “It’s a timely moment in which to celebrate the beauty of the natural environment and plant life of our islands,” says NGCI Associate Curator Kerri-Anne Chisholm. “Our team hope the inspiring artworks will provide a space of solace and uplift for our community.”
Each of the 40+ works on display are accompanied by interpretative labels that include information about the artist, along with the scientific and common names of the featured plants and their medical and traditional uses. This is reinforced by text panels throughout the exhibition which explore the history of botanical art and the evolution of photography, which ultimately replaced traditional scientific drawing practices.
Participating artists include Moira Abbott, Margaret Barwick, Scott Brady, Stephen Clark, Penny Clifford, Bryony Dixon, Bill Ferehawk, Lorna Griggs, Teresa Grimes, David Hartwell, Guy Harvey, Bendel Hydes, Martina Jackson, David Jungquist, Zane Kuttner, Eloin Lufthouse, Nickola McCoy-Snell, Hannah Reid, Helene Schindler, Larisa Sved and C.E. Whitney. The exhibition is generously supported by Davenport Ltd. with ongoing support from the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Culture and Heritage. Primarily featuring works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection – including new acquisitions not previously exhibited – this selection has been supplemented by artworks from private collections.
Terra Botanica will be available for viewing until 21 January 2022. Admission to the Gallery and the exhibition is free, and opening times are Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm. For more information about the exhibition and the related programme of free events, lectures, workshops and tours please email education@nationalgallery.org.ky or visit What’s On.
