FIELD OF VISION, botanical treasures in focus

A solo exhibition featuring new Verre Eglomisé work  by Olivier Cornet Gallery artist Yanny Petters.

When I was a child, my brother and I were given a microscope by my parents. I was fascinated by the detail of tiny objects we looked at, a view of the minutiae that makes up our surroundings. Things we examined included petals, leaf cells and seeds, shining a light on their structure and intense colours. I was also curious about the tiny glass slides, the design of the instrument and how the scientific process of examination worked. Looking back, this instrument, along with my parents’ encouragement, was an important part of what sparked my curiosity in plants and opened my eyes to a botanical field of vision. Little did I know that years later I would be inspired by this childhood memory.

For almost two years we have had to look at our surroundings in a new way, our field of vision being reduced due to the world wide Covid-19 pandemic.

Through my love of Irish wild plants I often gather drawings for my work from far afield, but this time I have seized upon this opportunity to explore those wild plants that are closest to me in my garden. When we look at our immediate surroundings we don’t have to go far to find wonderful and fascinating habitats, delicate ecosystems which sustain life.

‘Plant blindness’ is a term used since the 1990s to describe the lack of human awareness of plants. Our increased urbanisation has reduced our contact with nature, thereby separating us from the very elements we need for our survival in a time of climate change. Through my exhibition I continue to raise awareness of our botanical cohabitants, some of which we need for food and medicine, and all of which form a valuable symbiotic relationship between each other, pollinator insects, birds, animals and ourselves.

The exhibition will include at least 70 small Verre Eglomisé paintings proportionally similar in shape to glass slides used in the old microscope. Each plant is drawn from nature, a selection from the myriad wild plants growing on about half an acre, native plants which all too often go un-noticed, but which are part of delicate and precious habitats. They include Spring flowers like Celandine, Primrose and Cowslip, Summer flowers from Bluebell, Foxglove and Poppy to Forget-me-not and Clover as well as Autumnal favourites like Bramble, Rowan and Hawthorn.

Each painting is 21cm x 8.5cm on 4mm glass and involves acid etching, drawing, painting and gilding in the technique of Verre Eglomisé. The back of each panel is gilded to cast a glow behind the plant, emphasising its preciousness, making that which is considered common more exquisite. The paintings are presented in groups of three reflecting the season, their habitat or their relationship with each other, capturing their delightful vivacity.

The Olivier Cornet Gallery is delighted to share the news that in recent months, work by the artist has joined two important public collections:

The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin: https://www.oliviercornetgallery.com/the-plants-we-played-with-by-olivier-cornet-gallery-artist-yanny-petters

The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin: https://www.oliviercornetgallery.com/hand-fan-for-habitats-by-olivier-cornet-gallery-artist-yanny-petters

Launch of the show:

– At the gallery, Sunday 10 October, 2pm to 6pm in presence of the artist (visitors are required to book a time that suits them by calling / texting or emailing us)

– Online in our 3D Virtual Space, Sunday 10 October from 12 noon onwards.

Guest speaker: Janet McLean, curator at The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

Availability of the show:

– Tuesdays to Sundays at the gallery from 10 October to 06 November (visitors to book a time).

– Online in our 3D Virtual Space from Sunday 10 October onwards.