Exhibition Review: Stephen Inggs | Botanical Legacies

Orchid, 2023 © Stephen Inggs (Courtesy HackelBury Fine Art, London)

Written and Photo Edited by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao

Orchid, sunflower, dark rose. The miniature world of flora becomes a portal into a lush, enchanting world teeming with life. It is at HackelBury Fine Art, London, UK that Stephen Inggs’ latest exhibition, “Botanical Legacies,” comes alive, offering viewers a tranquil paradise that celebrates the wonders of the natural world and invesitgates the synthesis of multidisciplinary art. On view from April 19th to May 23rd, Inggs’ masterful artwork, which features delicate and magnified botanical illustrations, reveals a profound appreciation for life forms in nature and our intrinsic connection to it.

Stephen Inggs’ artwork is deeply rooted in the intersection of photography, drawing and printmaking. He delves into the synthesis of traditional botanical illustration, with elements of contemporary art interspersed throughout. His keen eye for detail and skillful handiwork are evident in his intricate depictions of flowers. The artist’s passion for the subject matter is palpable, as each piece exudes a sense of care for the living form. Inggs’ work goes beyond mere representation; it invites the viewer to explore the interconnectedness between humans and nature, to reflect on the impact we have on our surroundings, and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of the world around us.

Sunflower, 2023 © Stephen Inggs (Courtesy HackelBury Fine Art, London)

Also inspired by Vanitas genre of Dutch master paintings in the seventeenth century, Inggs’ artworks create a seamless and immersive experience that dwells upon the transience of life and delicate beauty. Carefully curated lighting casts a gentle glow, as the artworks imbue the space with an ethereal quality that heightens the viewer’s connection with the art. One of the standout pieces in the exhibition is “Sunflower.” In this breathtaking piece, Inggs uses a mixture of photographic details and textured brushstrokes to portray the thriving stem, foliage, and flower. The artist’s ability to capture the essence of the sunflower bud is striking, as the viewer is drawn into the depths of the black backdrop, feeling the simplified, damp air and the palpable energy of life all around.

Another captivating piece entitled “Dark Rose,” which was brought to South Africa by the first Dutch settlers and planted as an early warning system to alert the farmer to aphids before they reach the vines, is indicative of the artist’s South African origin. It is an arresting portrayal of a blooming dark rose, each petal captured through an explicit and magnified lens. The texture in the artwork is almost tangible, as the viewer can sense the gentle breeze rustling through the flora, carrying with it the subtle fragrance of the blooming flower. Inggs’ mastery of light and shadow, as well as depth of field, are particularly evident in this piece, as the light ignites the front view, dimming and blurring into the distance, imbuing it with a sense of mystery and serenity.

Dark Rose, 2023 © Stephen Inggs (Courtesy HackelBury Fine Art, London)

“Botanical Legacies” also features a series of smaller, more intimate works that focus on the delicate beauty of individual flowers and plants. Pieces like “Orchid” and “Protea in Bottle” showcase Inggs’ exceptional talent for capturing the subtle details of his subjects, playing around with the idea of rhopography — the depiction of those things that lack importance — allowing viewers to appreciate their complexity and inherent grace.

For more information, visit HackleBury Fine Art’s website.