Martha Iserman
Flora Fauna and Folklore
The Memo Healesville
Flora Fauna & Folklore
Explore the artwork from the exhibition by selecting a wall below.
Each section of the gallery represents a different realm of the natural world.
Click on the wall that matches where you are standing in the exhibit to view all the artworks in that area—complete with titles, prices, and availability.
Flora, Fauna, and Folklore
by Martha Iserman
The Memo Healesville
On Display 10 Jul 2025 - 28 Sep 2025
This exhibition bridges the disciplines of scientific illustration and myth, exploring how species and landscapes have shaped human belief across cultures.
Through detailed watercolour and oil paintings, Martha Iserman explores how humans have long assigned meaning to the natural world, shaping stories, legends, and ritual practices around the species that surround us.
Each section of the exhibition represents a different environment: ocean, forest, sky, and the artist’s realm aligned with 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 pulses with hidden life fungi forming fairy rings, insects and animals linked to transformation and alchemical symbolism. The sky wall examines birds and insects as celestial messengers, tied to omens, spirits, and the occult. Finally, the artist’s realm represents the act of creation, where natural history and esoteric knowledge converge. By merging scientific illustration with folklore, the exhibition inhabits the space between knowledge and mystery, inviting viewers to see the duality in nature.
More than a collection of paintings, this exhibition is an experience - an invitation to explore the liminal space between science and mysticism. It asks viewers to consider how nature has always been a source of knowledge, mystery, and power, influencing both scientific discovery and the hidden forces that shape human belief.
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.
Nature Journaling Workshops
The Memo Healesville
16 July- Sep 24 Wed Evenings 6:00pm-7:00pm
Join professional science illustrator Martha Iserman for an engaging one-hour workshop designed to deepen your connection to the natural world. Explore a variety of techniques and approaches to nature journaling and field sketching, learning how to hone your observation skills and spark curiosity about the world around you. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class will inspire you to see nature in a new light and capture its beauty in your journal.
What to bring: Bring a sketchbook and any supplies you’re comfortable with. Pencils, eraser, sharpener, and if you want to experiment with colour; coloured pencils or a water pen and portable watercolour set.
Click HERE for tickets