Fractal Forms Found in Nature
Works by Allison Svoboda
- Time of Year
- October 12, 2024 – October 5, 2025
- Location
- Level 2
Artist Allison Svoboda is drawn to the organic patterns found throughout the natural world. Inspired by butterflies, flowers, and mushrooms from the Chicago Academy of Sciences natural history collections, this installation highlights the patterns of nature through a colorful mix of watercolor, ink, and collage.
Explore more of her work on her website.
Access to this exhibit is included with Museum admission.
Artist Statement
Organic patterns and forms found in nature have an instinctive draw. The theory of fractal geometry; infinite layers of self-similar shapes repeated in every living thing, hold an endless fascination for me. Plants, feathers, skeletons; this enormous energy in nature influences my work.
I work intuitively through thousands of brushstrokes creating hundreds of small paintings. I then collate the work, tearing out images that work together. When I find compositions that intrigue me, I then delve into the longer process of collage, taking time to digest the image.
When the composition is complete, like with Japanese Suiseki or a Chinese Scholar’s rock, each viewer has his own experience as new images emerge from the completed arrangement. The ephemeral quality of the paper and meditative aspect of the brushwork evoke a Buddhist mandala. I hope by viewing the work one is brought into a meditative dream state.
A Closer Look
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Allison's process below.