The opening of Exquisite Creatures: The Art of Christopher Marley on Sat., Oct. 16 marks the return of special exhibitions at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences — it’s the first in 3 years.

Exquisite Creatures is a collection of 350 stunning three-dimensional displays of rare organisms from all over the world. Featuring creatures from globe-bearing treehoppers and red-eyed treefrogs to reef sharks and black cobras, the pieces celebrate the conjunction of art, science, and nature. Christopher Marley’s work helps attendees see nature in a way that is beautifully diverse but still unified by biophilia, aka the “love of life.”

Here’s what to look out for while visiting the exhibition:

Symmetry

Iridescent beetles featured in Marley’s work | Photo courtesy of Christopher Marley

Marley’s use of symmetry is shown throughout his work, including in the piece “Lighting,” which was created using the carapace of beetles.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. Marley shows this in different works of art, like “Pisces,” which showcases different species of reef fish and sea life.

Critical Color

Scarlet Macaw | Photo courtesy of Christopher Marley

Color is a vital component in the natural world. It has the power to alter our perception, our outlook, and our emotional state. You can feel that power in Marley’s “Scarlet Macaw.”

Patterns and texture

“Incantation” | Photo courtesy of Christopher Marley

Using organic materials, Marley is able to create unusual patterns that highlight different textures found in the organisms, like the starfish featured in “Incantation” above.

The rich hues and luminescence of Lycaenidae butterflies form a pleasing palette | Photo courtesy of Christopher Marley

Ticket info

The exhibition runs from Oct. 16, 2021 through March 20, 2022. Exquisite Creatures is open Tues.-Sun. from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with the last entry time at 4 p.m.

Tickets to Exquisite Creatures are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors (65+), students, and military with ID; $6 for children ages 3-12; and free for museum members. Group rates are also available for pre-registered parties of 10+ — call the box office at (919) 707-9950 for details.

Insect mosaic | Photo courtesy of Christopher Marley

Exquisite Creatures is sponsored by Merz Aesthetics with additional support from Our State Magazine, PBS North Carolina and WUNC, North Carolina Public Radio. Ⓟ