Final chance to see Zadok Ben-David: Natural Reserve at Kew Gardens

‘A stunner of a show with a powerful message. ★★★★★’ Londonist

‘A breathtaking exhibition dedicated to the natural world. ★★★★★’ Jewish News

Acclaimed exhibition must end 24 April 2022

Last chance to see stunning exhibition at Kew Gardens
Extended due to phenomenal demand
Natural Reserve must end 24 April

Extended due to phenomenal public demand, Zadok Ben-David: Natural Reserve runs at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art until Sunday 24 April 2022. Zadok Ben-David’s first solo exhibition in the UK since 2008, Natural Reserve centres on themes of tragedy and hope, focusing on the constantly evolving, often fragile relationship between humanity and the natural world. Since opening in October 2021, the exhibition has been enjoyed by over 30,000 visitors, and celebrated as ‘thought-provoking’, ‘awe-inspiring’ and ‘powerful’.

Blackfield

This landmark exhibition includes Blackfield, a breathtaking installation presented in the UK for the first time since 2007. Blackfield plays upon sensations of perception and perspective, and has been exhibited to sustained critical and public acclaim in over 20 countries worldwide. Situated in Gallery 5 in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, the installation on display at Kew Gardens contains over 17,000 steel etched flowers, each painstakingly hand-assembled by a team of volunteers and assistants.

The wider exhibition

Other works on display as part of this landmark exhibition include Ben-David’s Conversation Peace, a video work incorporating depictions of trees, butterflies, insects, flowers and human shapes and The Other Side of Midnight, a three-metre circle comprised of over 2,000 miniature hand-painted butterflies and insects which bursts into vivid, colourful life for visitors to contemplate during their visit. Natural Reserve also includes a selection of new wall-mounted works derived from 19th century botanical illustrations contained within Kew’s archive, reimagined for today using vibrant colours and allowing visitors to explore new perspectives on the world around them.

Zadok Ben-David says: “The relationship between humanity and nature is one which is central to my work. I have always been fascinated by the idea of how humans rely on nature for survival yet seem to forget this essential fact in everyday life. Presenting this new exhibition within the context of Kew as a world-leader in ecological conservation only reinforces this theme; that humans are an intrinsic part of nature rather than separate from it. I’m delighted to be able to share my work, including some new and expanded pieces with visitors to Kew, particularly as the messages of this exhibition have never felt more important.”

Maria Devaney, Galleries and Exhibitions Leader at RBG Kew adds: “Zadok Ben-David has long been at the forefront of creating art inspired by the relationship between humanity and the natural world, and we are delighted to be able to extend this exhibition due to phenomenal public demand. It has been hugely fulfilling to see the wonderful, often emotive reactions of visitors to the exhibition and hear their feedback, with many reflecting that it leaves them feeling a sense of real optimism and hope for the future.”

A book to accompany the exhibition has been published by Kew Publishing, with contributing essay by Yael Guilat.

Image credit:

Exhibition images by Roger Wooldridge.