Ernst Haeckel: Art Forms in Nature

Art Forms in Nature is an exhibition exploring the enchanting illustrations of German biologist Ernst Haeckel, published in his scientific work, Kunstformen der Natur (1904) consisting of numerous prints of various organisms, many of which were first described by Haeckel himself.

According to Haeckel scholar Olaf Breidbach (the editor of modern editions of Kunstformen), the work was “not just a book of illustrations but also the summation of his view of the world.” The over-riding themes of the Kunstformen plates are symmetry and organization. The subjects were selected to embody organization, from the scale patterns of boxfishes to the spirals of ammonites to the perfect symmetries of jellies and microorganisms, while images composing each plate are arranged for maximum visual impact.

Kunstformen der Natur was influential in early 20th century art, architecture, and design, bridging the gap between science and art.

Exhibiting daily in January – February at 12pm,
March – April at 6pm, Perth Cultural Centre Screen.

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