Flora, Fauna and Folklore bridges scientific illustration and myth, exploring how humans have long imbued the natural world with symbolic meaning. Through detailed watercolour and oil paintings, Martha Iserman examines the stories, beliefs, and rituals inspired by real species and landscapes. Arranged into four elemental realms, the ocean, forest, sky and artist's studio, the exhibition invites viewers to explore nature as both subject and allegorical symbol. Drawing on historical texts and mystical references, it offers an immersive experience that reveals the connections between observation, imagination, and the enduring unknown of the wild.
Each wall is aligned with one of the four classical elements of water, earth, air, and fire. The ocean wall reflects the vast unknown, where real creatures have inspired tales of the abyss. The forest floor is vibrant with hidden life; fungi forms fairy rings, and animals hide in plain sight. The sky wall examines birds as heavenly messengers, and the artist’s studio highlights where natural history and creativity converge. By merging scientific illustration with folklore, the exhibition inhabits the space between knowledge and mystery, inviting viewers to see the duality of nature.
Martha merges natural history and storytelling, combining the precision of scientific illustration with the symbolism of folklore. Using observational techniques, she creates highly detailed compositions, reinterpreting familiar species by shifting perspectives. Transforming a patch of mushrooms into a dense cityscape or an insect into a creature of mythic presence, she experiments with the interplay between individual works, arranging them to suggest an interconnected ecosystem where each piece influences the next.
Martha has worked as a science illustrator for over a decade, including roles at the Smithsonian Institution and the Field Museum of Natural History. Her illustrations have been published in VICE and Nautilus Magazines and have featured in several scientific journals, textbooks and museum exhibitions. She has presented at the International Science Illustrators Conference, given talks at research institutions across the United States and Australia and her fine art has been exhibited at Beinart Gallery, Burrinja Cultural Centre, Frankston Arts Centre and Cardinia Cultural Centre. Through her work she aims to create an immersive experience where scientific precision and folklore coexist, encouraging viewers to see nature as a living archive of evolving narrative, and an intersection of observation, belief, and artistic expression.
Mushroom & Fungi Colouring Station
The Memo Healesville - Foyer
10 Jul 2025 - 28 Sep 2025
FREE drop in activity
Martha Iserman presents a hands-on activity celebrating the beauty and biodiversity of mushrooms, sparking curiosity through art and play. Step into a magical forest floor inspired by the hidden world of fungi, guests of all ages are invited to relax among leafy foliage and gentle fairy lights while colouring pages based on her detailed illustrations. This hands-on activity celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of mushrooms, sparking curiosity through art and play.
I Spy with my Little Eye...
The Memo Healesville - Gallery
10 Jul 2025 - 28 Sep 2025
FREE drop in activity
Explore the Flora, Fauna and Folklore exhibition with our fun Kids Eye Spy worksheet! Designed to spark curiosity, this activity helps children engage with the artwork by spotting details, and creatures hidden in the gallery. It’s a fun-filled adventure that turns every visit into a nature-themed treasure hunt!
Closing Event and Artist's Talk
The Memo Healesville
27 Sep 2025 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Join artist and science illustrator Martha Iserman for an engaging talk exploring the history, techniques, and evolving role of scientific illustration in bridging art and knowledge.
Child Safety
Please help your children to enjoy the workshop by staying with them while they are in the space. We are unable to provide supervision and appreciate your support in upholding our child safety obligations.
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