The aim of this Arts Council funded project was to develop and deliver an extended solo exhibition, comprising of existing and new work. The resulting themed exhibition (launched as part of the British Science Festival 2010) marks the latest stage in Schenk's ongoing guest to introduce change, transience and an evolutionary element into painting - traditionally a stationary medium.

Inspired by the iridescent colours adorning insect wings, the artist persevered in her sustained attempt to adapt and adopt revolutionary industrial colour-shifting nanoparticles - in order to arrive at 'chameleonesque' paintings. And, indeed, with the rare moth Erebus obsucra as exemplar, and evolutionary developmental biology as inspiration, Schenk captured the insect's ever-evolving iridescent hues - for the first time on canvas.   The desired effect is achieved, the resulting interrelated paintings fluctuate in perceived colour, depending on the light variation and viewing angle.

Science

Mirroring fundamental natural principles that govern the evolution of colour and pattern (such as symmetry, repetition and modularity), an original painting was used as the template from which to develop all further works/ versions. Thus, while different in appearance, all paintings of the Erebus obscura series are, in fact, modified multiples of the original.

Outcomes

To mark the long-standing collaboration not just between individuals, but also institutions, the resulting solo show was showcased across two venues, namely the Rotunda (University of Birmingham) and the School of Art (Birmingham City University). In conjunction, a series of hands-on masterclasses, public lectures and 'meet the artist' sessions was delivered at both venues.

The exhibition has since been shown in Shrewsbury (Darwin's birthplace) - as part of the city's annual Darwin Festival (2011). The event was accompanied by a creative workshop aimed at the general public.