HOUSTON, TX— CHRISTOPHER MARLEY | BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science is an extensive art and multimedia sensory experience that unravels human’s intimate relationship with the natural world. The special exhibition opens at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on February 8, 2019.
Artist, naturalist and New York Times bestselling author Christopher Marley reveals the sometimes obscure beauty in nature. “Biophilia” meaning “love of life” is simultaneously explained and experienced in Marley’s immersive exhibit where the ancient connection between art, nature and science is explored. Tapping the natural world as his medium, Marley’s revolutionary work features rare elements of nature in the precise, geometric compositions that have become his signature. All of the organisms used in Marley’s work are either reclaimed (in the case of vertebrates and blooms) or sustainably culled (in the case of insects and oceanic invertebrates).
“My objective is to increase a love and appreciation for the aesthetics of organisms,” Marley explains.
Featuring real organisms arranged to exhibit the beauty of rare, colorful animals, minerals and plants, Biophilia bridges the divide between art and science. A foundational compatibility of art and science is found throughout the history of art (as early art forms often depicted nature) and the emergence of bio-art, which was used to enhance scientific study. Many naturalists and scientists throughout history also worked in artistic mediums, and Marley’s creations reflect this contemporaneously. Biophilia also gives credence to the “essential amateurs”—hobbyists of biology and environmental science who have contributed to scientific discourse through enthusiastic interest and hands-on field experience, rather than traditional academia.
Guests will appreciate the stunningly vivid displays for their artistry on the part of Marley, as well as the artistry that nature creates on its own. The specimens selected for his works are usually unique in their color, size or morphology, which display the vastness of nature’s aesthetics. This beauty inspires an appreciation for nature that extends far beyond the confines of the exhibit space. Marley’s work seeks to instill in its viewers a desire to learn more about biodiversity, taxonomy and conservation and to act as stewards and caretakers of nature.
Marley’s artwork is prized by major collectors and museums; it has been exhibited by over 500 galleries and retailers worldwide. His first book, “Pheromone, The Insect Art of Christopher Marley” (Pomegranate, 2008) was listed by The Times (UK) as one of “The Best Books of 2008” and his second book, “Biophilia” (Abrams, 2015) is a New York Times Bestseller.
Marley’s awards for his 3-dimensional artwork include the International Furnishings and Design Association (Best in Show), the American Society of Interior Designers (Best of the Best, New York) and Photo District News (2010 Photo Annual Winner). His work was the design inspiration for the Nike Track shoes used by the athletes in the 2016 Olympic Games.
Marley’s images have been licensed by the World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Explorer, Kyoto Journal, Science News, Johns Hopkin University Press, and Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London.
Marley’s work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, The Times (UK), Scientific American, Wired, Slate, Audubon magazine, The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler, Marie Claire (France), Vogue (Italia), Town and Country, Smithsonian.com, OPB, Voice of America and on CBS Sunday Morning.
CHRISTOPHER MARLEY | BIOPHILIA: A Dialogue with Art, Nature and Science is the culmination of two decades of work by the artist. The exhibit opens at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on February 8 and will be on display through September 2, 2019. It is included with admission to the permanent exhibit halls. For ticket prices or more information, visit our website at www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629.
The exhibit was created and organized by Christopher Marley.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham IMAX® Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at One Hermann Circle Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.
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