Caroline Rothwell, Biomorph vermillion rose, 2018. Hydrostone, canvas, epoxy glass, stainless steel, vinyl paint, wood, 172.5 x 65 x 40cm. Courtesy: the artist and Roslyn Oxley9, Sydney.

It is with the spirit of discovery we view the sculptures by Caroline Rothwell in Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery’s latest Viewing Room Arrangements, embodying the weird and wonderful through the mindset of exploration and detailed research into botanical history.

Rothwell’s work is the meeting point of the artificial and natural, the historical and contemporary. She holds space for the most beautiful of objects, hybrid species that challenge us to question past narratives and seek new positions of enquiry.

Recalling arranging practices within early cabinets of curiosities and the collecting systems of naturalists Charles Darwin, Joseph Banks and Nikolai Vavilov, a new taxonomy is fertilised. Set in a vivid and extraordinary 19th century tropical-hot-house, Rothwell’s bizarre botanical theatre is composed like the most exquisitely arranged bouquet, challenging us to consider the interrelationship of the human and the natural through the thwarted lens of trade, collection and colonisation.

This exhibition can be viewed on the gallery website. View exhibition here.

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