Harefield Gazette

Eye-popping colour at Kew gallery

-

AWARD-WINNING artist Pip & Pop presents a new exhibition at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens, from Saturday May 21.

Inspired by mythologie­s and folklore, When Flowers Dream explores themes of consumptio­n, wish-fulfillmen­t, and seemingly endless abundance, using eye-popping candy colours and a playful sense of perspectiv­e to immerse audiences in a uniquely wonderful world.

Part of Kew’s exciting new Food Forever summer programme, this is the debut London exhibition for Australian artist Tanya Schultz, who works as Pip & Pop to create immersive installati­ons from an array of materials, including sugar, modelling clay and sweets, as well as objects sourced on her travels all over the world.

As well as showcasing a range of sculptural work throughout the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, When Flowers Dream will also include a brand-new installati­on, created in close collaborat­ion with scientists at Kew.

Exploring the idea of a food utopia for the future, this hand-assembled technicolo­ur installati­on will be filled with foods identified as neglected and underutili­sed species.

Taking the shape of a highly detailed and colourful landscape, the piece also draws inspiratio­n from imaginary worlds from legends including Luilekkele­rland and the Land of Cockaigne – mythologic­al realms where everything the eye can see is created from food.

Botanical paintings from Kew’s archive will also form a central part of the exhibition, with a colourful selection of 19th century works showcasing underutili­sed edible plant species, including Ensete, Baobab and Granadilla.

Tanya said: “The opportunit­y to explore vital themes of future foods and food security in collaborat­ion with Kew’s scientists is one which has scarcely felt more timely or important.

“As the impact of climate change weighs heavily on our future, I hope to create a new artwork that is optimistic and allows us to imagine a better world.

“It will be a visual feast of colour and sweetness, enticing and appealing, yet with serious ideas beneath it.”

Pip & Pop: When Flowers Dream at Kew Gardens will be at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art from Saturday May 21 until Sunday March 5 2023.

 ?? ?? Work entitled ‘Where there is a flower there must be a butterfly so the flower shines more brightly’ by Pip & Pop
Work entitled ‘Where there is a flower there must be a butterfly so the flower shines more brightly’ by Pip & Pop

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom