Science and Art in Fred Edwards' Portraits

GALERI Salihara is currently displaying scientific objects and works of art related to Alfred Russel Wallace. Among the items are a test tube containing mosquito larvae, a two-channel television installation, white and gold glazed porcelain, and a piece of organic organdy applied with artificial butterflies. These art pieces are on display alongside scientific objects such as a stuffed bird of paradise and a roll of tiger skin. However, it is the photographs lining the curved wall of the gallery that give this exhibition, titled 125,660 Natural History Specimens its power.

At first glance, the photos appear to be wall paintings. Upon a closer look, viewers can see they are photographic depictions of items over a hundred years old. There are photos of bones in transparent tubes, one of a long-horned beetle, another of an orang utan skull on a glass shelf, as well as several of stuffed birds of myriad hues. This is a major project by photographer Fred Langford Edwards. Edwards, 69, brought over his photographic works from the UK and they are on exhibition till September 15, along with several scientific objects and works of art related to Wallace at the Salihara.

September 8, 2015