Ilan Domnich: Entomologia et Natura

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Ilan Domnich, “Actias luna,” 2024

(courtesy of the artist)

Ilan Domnich’s installation features insects preserved in shadowbox frames surrounded by a wondrous diversity of organic materials in a series titled Entomologia et Natura. 

As an entomologist, Domnich aims to display insects in a way that draws in viewers to look closer at these unique creatures. Those that may feel repelled by insects may learn to appreciate the small animals that have huge impacts on ecosystems. The insects are sustainably sourced and rehydrated before being pinned and dried in pleasing poses, and adorned with materials from nature to accent their beauty. Viewers may recognize many of the natural materials that embellish these frames as they were collected from the river valley. The array of colours and shapes seen in these insects may seem fantastical to some, and are echoed in the diversity of plant life surrounding them.