Insect Safari, a vibrant and unusual installation of textiles and sculptures by Barbara Reed, is on at the Collins Gallery until 24 June 2006.

The exhibition, inspired by the culture, folklore, art and wildlife of Botswana, features mopane worms, hedgehog flies and Ijele masks.

Barbara Reed, now based in Hartlepool, has spent over 25 years in Africa, as curator of art at the National Museum of Botswana in Gaborone.  During this period, she was actively involved in the research and collection of contemporary African Art and also organised various community art projects.  As a result, her own creative practice is strongly imbued with African design motifs, printed textiles and exotic materials.  Her experience also continues to inspire imaginative projects with schools. 

In common with the “Big 12 African Insect” exhibition shown at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle in 2005, Insect Safari represents a small body of the work created by pupils at Washington School during Barbara Reed’s recent artist’s residency.

The exhibition is on from 20 May to 24 June 2006 at the Collins Gallery, University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond St, Glasgow.  Open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 12 noon to 4pm.