Visions of Galapagos
July 18 through October 11, 2009
Location: Fawick Gallery
Art and history merge in "Visions of Galapagos," the Museum-produced exhibition that opens July 18 in Fawick Gallery. Visitors can experience vibrant artwork while viewing original works by ground-breaking naturalist Charles Darwin.
Blending artistic creativity and scientific theory, the exhibit offers visitors a unique way to explore the connection between Darwin and nature. The exhibit features 32 of Cleveland Heights artist Seth Chwast's colorful, contemporary paintings and sculptures that bring to life the avian and aquatic creatures that inhabit the Galapagos Islands. Darwin's observations of plants and animals that inhabit these small tropical islands were instrumental to the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection.
The exhibit also showcases rare, first-edition texts authored by Darwin. These items, on loan from the Dittrick Medical History Center at Case Western Reserve University, include copies of On the Origin of Species; The Zoology of the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, under the Command of Captain Fitzroy, R.N., during the Years 1832 to 1836; and "Voyage of the Beagle," which is the third volume of Fitzroy's Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle, between the Years 1826 and 1836.
Specimens from the Museum's collections round out the exhibit and demonstrate Darwin's theory of evolution. A Frigate, Swainson’s Hawk and Green Iguana connect the animals depicted in Chwast's artwork to natural history concepts.
In addition, a touch-screen interactive allows visitors to learn about the geography, ecology, natural history and evolutionary significance of the Galapagos. Children can participate in a hands-on activity where they can build a bird by using different adaptations, such as beaks, feet and other anatomical variations.
Opening July 18, "Visions of Galapagos" will be on display through October 11.
About the Artist
Diagnosed with autism as a young child, Chwast rarely speaks. In 2003 at the age of 20, he took an oil painting class at the Cleveland Museum of Art. This introduction to art led Chwast to begin using paint to describe his world.
After he started painting, the Chwast home filled with art. In March 2007, he began to travel. A visit to Costa Rica inspired him to infuse his works with the colors of the tropics.
The artist traveled to the Galapagos Islands in November 2007, where his first international exhibit opened in March 2008. During his second trip to the islands, he met with the director of the Charles Darwin Foundation, who invited him to create art for the organization.
Chwast continues to communicate through art and exhibits his works both around the world and locally. To view Chwast's art, visit www.sethchwastart.com.
Related Events
2009 marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin. Many organizations are celebrating with offers, exhibits and events, including The Cleveland Museum of Natural History: Special Offer for Museum Members.