THE hidden world of insects and invertebrates is to be revealed in an art exhibition.
More than 50 creations are on display in the Subterraneous exhibition at Bowlees Visitor Centre which continues to September 29 as part of the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Cold-blooded and Spineless project.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project raises awareness of invertebrates and highlights their importance to our environment and our lives.
Subterraneous will uncover the world of invertebrates, largely hidden from view.
The work has involved artists from the North Pennines and further afield.
Furry creatures will invade the exhibition space at Bowlees Visitor Centre and a variety of sculptures, sound and images will emphasise the importance of invertebrate conservation.
Works include ancient fossils in sandstone, vibrant insects made from recycled silk ties and even a sculpture that functions as a soil ecosystem.
There will also be an “infestation chair” , covered in a screen-printed design, celebrating the beauty and complexity of insect life.
A complementary exhibition will run at Wynch Bridge End Cottage, which can be reached through a short walk from Bowlees via Low Force. However, those attending should note that the bridge will be closed for maintenance, which is expected to start on September 16.
Work produced during Cold-blooded and Spineless school sessions involving print and origami will be on display there.
Allenheads-based artist Alan Smith’s video installation will immerse visitors in sub-aqua sounds and other-worldly images. A glasswork gallery will show North Pennines’ invertebrates in all their colours, produced by Durham artist Janet Rogers and Teesdale adults and children.
Samantha Tranter, the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Cold-blooded and spineless project officer, said: “This exhibition will help people of all ages and backgrounds to see another side to invertebrates or bugs.
“These creatures are either overlooked or considered creepy, but they are actually very beautiful and essential to our survival.
“We hope the variety of media used by such interesting artists will get people to see them in a different light.”
Visit www.northpennines.org.uk/events
