Series, consisting of 4 diptychs, mixed media, 2009/10

Diptych I: 160x190 cm; Diptych II: 122x183 cm; Diptych III: 244x183 cm; Diptych IV: 84x120 cm

In response to Darwin's iconic discussion of the eye as a conundrum of evolution, Schenk has drawn on novel colour-shift technology to create artworks inspired by the astonishingly realistic eyespots adorning the wings of the rare moth Erebus obscura.

Mirroring natural principles that govern the evolution of colour and pattern, successively modified versions of the original moth painting have been created – simultaneously magnifying, yet focusing in on, the subject. Suggesting a gradual transition from recognition to abstraction, each additional repeated version evolves from the previous template - yet inevitably change and mutation leads to the formation of new, modified patterns, shapes and hues.