Jonathan Delafield Cook
The intricate works in charcoal of Jonathan Delafield Cook explore the intersection of art, science, and nature and reflect his vast curiosity, drawing from the rich tradition of natural history illustration.
Marine life forms the subject matter of Delafield Cook鈥檚 2024 exhibition, which includes drawings of a night shark, barnacles, rays, fish fins and icebergs. Thebarnacle series, shaped by Charles Darwin鈥檚 fascination with these creatures, mirrors the scientist鈥檚 own meticulous study of the species. Darwin鈥檚 research on barnacles played a pivotal role in the development of his theories on evolution. Delafield Cook鈥檚 drawings of barnacles from Darwin鈥檚 own collection, magnify their form, transforming them from simple organisms into unexpected, almost otherworldly marvels. In doing so, the artist invites us to look at these often-overlooked creatures in a new, more profound way. Barnacles have some of the most complex reproductive systems in the animal kingdom, a detail that highlights their evolutionary significance.
Delafield Cook鈥檚 large-scale works of icebergs serve as a testament to a vulnerable landscape and the uncertain future of our planet. As he writes, 鈥渢hey represent my tribute to an 鈥榚ndangered鈥� phenomenon that to me symbolises our species鈥� very uncertain future. A phenomenon that may eventually exist only in memory.鈥� These beautiful, ethereal depictions serve as both a reminder and a warning.
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The intricate works in charcoal of Jonathan Delafield Cook explore the intersection of art, science, and nature and reflect his vast curiosity, drawing from the rich tradition of natural history illustration.
Marine life forms the subject matter of Delafield Cook鈥檚 2024 exhibition, which includes drawings of a night shark, barnacles, rays, fish fins and icebergs. Thebarnacle series, shaped by Charles Darwin鈥檚 fascination with these creatures, mirrors the scientist鈥檚 own meticulous study of the species. Darwin鈥檚 research on barnacles played a pivotal role in the development of his theories on evolution. Delafield Cook鈥檚 drawings of barnacles from Darwin鈥檚 own collection, magnify their form, transforming them from simple organisms into unexpected, almost otherworldly marvels. In doing so, the artist invites us to look at these often-overlooked creatures in a new, more profound way. Barnacles have some of the most complex reproductive systems in the animal kingdom, a detail that highlights their evolutionary significance.
Delafield Cook鈥檚 large-scale works of icebergs serve as a testament to a vulnerable landscape and the uncertain future of our planet. As he writes, 鈥渢hey represent my tribute to an 鈥榚ndangered鈥� phenomenon that to me symbolises our species鈥� very uncertain future. A phenomenon that may eventually exist only in memory.鈥� These beautiful, ethereal depictions serve as both a reminder and a warning.
Artists on show
