Giant butterflies land at ZSL London Zoo
Monday 23 June 2008
A revolutionary photography technique capturing the intricate details of butterflies down to the finest scale launches today as an exhibition at ZSL London Zoo for National Insect Week.
© ZSL - Kendall Munns
This is the first ever exhibition of these giant butterfly prints – revealing microscopic details of these captivating insects to the smallest scale and clearing showing anatomical features like their cells, hair and scales.
The exhibit’s brainchild, Rakha Singh, will showcase 10 of his stunning photographs for the first time. Each image measures 4ft x 4ft and features tropical butterflies from around the world.
This innovative technique involves photographing butterflies up to 50 times in tiny sections and ‘stitching’ together the images, creating a huge file that can be printed as a large, ultra high resolution image with incredible detail. The images are printed on compressed PVC to create a unique painting like effect.
Photographer Rakha Singh said: ‘For the first time people can see these intriguing insects on a large scale, which I thought was particularly important in generating awareness of butterflies and their survival. I wanted to demonstrate, through art, the amazing colours and patterns of these beautiful insects.’
ZSL London Zoo Head Keeper of BUGS, Dave Clarke, said: ‘We are excited to showcase these unique prints which show the exquisite detail of some of the world’s most magnificent butterflies.
‘We’d love everyone to come along and celebrate National Insect Week here at ZSL London Zoo, with the opportunity to experience fun, close-up encounters with insects, as well as admiring the beautiful free-flying butterflies as they flutter around the butterfly house.’
The Zoo will be hosting a range of special activities during the week including children’s arts and crafts, and interactive talks from keepers where visitors can come face-to-face with some of the fascinating insects in BUGS.
Enter the world of entomology at ZSL London Zoo and share in the splendour of around 250 beautiful butterflies, more than 50 species of insects and enjoy the educational and fun activities taking place during National Insect Week.
Visit Rakha Singh’s butterfly images website for more information on his work.