Exhibition: Botanica 2006
The Masters Exhibition
– Contemporary Botanical Art
Maiden Theatre
Royal Botanic Gardens - Sydney
6 July 2006 to 16 July 2006
The Marian Theatre is a large old fashioned room with high decorative ceilings, a fitting venue for such a traditional art. The scene was further enhanced by soothing classical music and a central table supporting a huge floral arrangement.
Each art work details exquisitely the beauty of the particular plant, leaf or flower chosen by the artist. To be categorized as Botanical Art, and not merely the painting of flora, the artist must know the botanical name and be able to show several stages of growth in technically correct detail.
There are several large works in this collection. One by David MacKay of Telopea aspera, Waratah leaf, is an exception to the above rule as he depicts only the leaf. Produced in acrylic paint rather than watercolour, his contemporary interpretation gives a shiny finish rather like that of a photograph instead of the more traditional soft watercolour.
Mackay’s other large work, also in acrylics, is a collection of Eucalypt Fruit. This large work has been skilfully composed of 10 different gumnuts to create an interesting piece even for the botanically challenged viewer.
Other large works included Susannah Blaxill’s Gymea Lilly (watercolour & gouache), and Phillipa Nikulinsky’s Scent Grass (watercolour, pencil, gouache & ink). Nikulinsky’s work was particularly skilful in its depiction of a grass tussock complete with intertwined leaves and curling roots. The limited palette of greys, soft green and sienna on buff paper was a soothing change from the bright colours of some of the surrounding floral pieces.
Not all of the works are of flowering plants. Fiona McKinnon and Anita Barley chose vegetables as their subjects. The Red Cabbage depicted by McKinnon is shown side on, as a cut base, cut in half, a flower stem and a seedling. The composition is very well balanced and realistically rendered in watercolours. Barley also chose watercolour to depict the Cucurbit, Golden Nugget plant in its various stages. The inclusion of a spent, greying leaf helps to balance the bright orange of the vegetables.
For detail, the viewer must take in the trilogy of orchids by Fiona McGlynn. While the plants are of subdued tones, the detail of delicate spotted leaves and exotic flowers are a beautiful rendition in the traditional style of this art. Although McGlynn is relatively new to this style of work, her talent is outstanding and it is pleasing to hear she will be having an exhibition in the USA later this year.
In contrast, Barbara Duckworth’s Sturt Desert Pea (watercolour) is a vibrant set of four small works depicting all stages of growth of this Australian native plant. The works capture the energised growth in the spreading habit of the stalk and leaves which are highlighted by the fiery red and shiny black of the flowers.
A very different approach is the Wild Briar Rosehips by Catherine Wardrop. Her mixed media on canvas is an unframed, modern interpretation of the traditional botanical art. The small red and orange fruits cascade down the canvas over a cloud-like textured background in a beautifully romantic composition. This work would not appeal to those looking for a formal work for an office but offers a softer choice for the home decorator.
Eighteen artists have come together in this exhibition and may truly call themselves ‘masters’ of their art. Their technical skills can be appreciated by all, for the detailed replication of each plant and anyone with an appreciation of flora must enjoy the display of exotic flowers and plants which may not otherwise be seen.
References:
- Exhibition card
- Exhibitors List
- Personal notes
http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
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