Research:
Entomological Illustration
Ghalib El-Khalidi (US)
22 February - 14 April
Jordan artist Ghalib El-Khalidi (who lives and works in Maui, Hawaii) often deals with the boundaries between science and fine art. During his researchresidency at HMK, El-Khalidi explored the field of Entomological Illustration. In the past few months, he visited many Museums of Natural History, among which Naturalis in Leiden, which hosts one of the largest collections of insects in the world.
El-Khalidi presented his (preliminary) results during a short and informal gathering in HMK's living room. He present his findings on entomological illustration, showed his intricate drawings and notes, and subjected the audience in a small particpatory questionairy, to explore the value of insects and peoples (often) irrational fear of them.
As a science illustrator Ghalib is interested in researching current trends in entomological illustration, past European entomological illustrators and scientists, as well as developing his own skills and practice in the field of entomological illustration, with an additional aim of gaining insight into the possible roots and causes of the common and severe (and irrational) fear of insects (entomophobia).
For more information about the work of Ghalib El-Khalidi visit his website here.
We espessially thank Naturalis Leiden for their cooperation and warm welcome.