Warrnambool Art Gallery curator Gareth Colliton works in the dark so artist Karen Richards' Flora Non Evidens exhibition can take full effect.
WARRNAMBOOL textile artist Karen Richards has created ghost-like embroidery to highlight the rare and vulnerable nature of the plants she celebrates in her exhibition Flora Non Evidens.
Many of the plants recreated are orchids and face the threat of extinction, making their ghost-like representation particularly poignant.
The innovative installation at the Warrnambool Art Gallery is presented in a dark room with visitors given a head torch to view the reflective embroided works that are presented in panels suspended from the ceiling.
“Because the plants are so rare, they are difficult to see,” Richards said.
“I wanted to create images that are also difficult to see, that are elusive.”
She said she liked embroidery because it offered her an opportunity to “draw with light” and create images that appeared intangible.
Warrnambool Art Gallery curator of exhibitions Gareth Colliton said the combination of technology and traditional craft in the exhibition had not been done before.
“It’s unlike a traditional show, which is often framed around the wall, because it hangs in the centre of the room and is pretty invisible,” Mr Colliton said.
“It’s incredibly intricate work, very laborious.”
Flora Non Evidens will run until October 14.