New exhibition explores wonders of the plant world

 

This weekend welcomes the latest feature exhibition at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk entitled Botanica.  

The unique environments of flora – land and sea – influence life in countless ways: from food and medicines to visual art and design.  

Botanica is set to showcase the wonders of the plant world, illustrated through QVMAG's diverse collections spanning natural science, social history and creative practice. 

Visitors will be inspired by original plant specimens, curious objects and marvellous artworks, all creating a portal into botany as science, industry and art.  

This exhibition is set to capture the imagination through its beauty, its history, and its extraordinary properties as humans strive to document and celebrate flora's beauty and impact. 

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the exhibition was an incredible display of the institutions rich collection.  

"To deliver on an exhibition of this size, spanning such diverse collection domains is no small task. This exhibition is an outstanding visual experience for botany lovers of all ages," Mayor Garwood said.  

"This exhibition is such an exciting way to showcase the diverse, rich collection of QVMAG; a collection we're so proud to have right here in our beautiful City." 

General Manager Creative Arts and Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said Botanica was a brilliant representation of the influence botany has on the world around us.  

"We're really proud to share this exhibition with Tasmanian's; what we have on display within Botanica is only a fraction of our incredible and fascinating collection that relates to botany," Mr Fitzgerald said.  

"This exhibition has been in development for over six months, and we cannot wait to see and hear the reactions of our visitors throughout the holiday period.  

"I'd encourage everyone to make the most of this exhibition while it's on display until early 2024; it's not to be missed." 

QVMAG Visual Art and Design Assistant Curator Kate Davies said the exhibition offers a visually beautiful representation of the influence of botany in modern day life.  

"This exhibition aims to illustrate the impact the plant world has on all aspects of life, in ways that are sometimes perhaps unexpected," Davies said. 

"As visitors step into the exhibition space they will be surrounded by remarkable objects and works from QVMAG's collections. The amazing specimens, artworks, and historical objects on display are a small reminder how flora invoked curioristy, influenced creativity, and inspired consumption. 

"We're so proud to showcase this incredible exhibition to locals and visitors exploring Tasmania over the holiday period."

Botanica is on display at the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk from 2 December 2023 to 3 March 2024 with free entry.  

Free event: a free curatorial floor talk will be held within Botanica on Saturday 2 December to explore exhibition themes and items on display from within the institutions collection. Registrations are available via the QVMAG website. 

Issued 1 December 2023.