The Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation is pleased to present Uncommon Perfection: Illustrations by Derek Norman, opening 13 March and running through 9 May 2025.

This exhibition highlights artwork created by Norman during his decades-long career, reflecting his lifelong interest in the beauty of the natural world. Artwork selections focus on Norman’s pen-and-ink illustrations of native wildflowers, grasses and sedges from the areas surrounding his former home in the Chicago, Illinois, area.

Also included are sketches, examples from published articles, and artworks created with watercolor and graphite.

Looking closely at the work in this show, you will find evidence of process: sketches and tracings, ink tests and other markings and reworking the page itself by pasting multiple pieces together or excising portions where he was not satisfied with the original drawing.

Additionally, while some of the smaller markings may not always be visible in the works on display, Norman often includes notes, which are within the viewable portion of the page. These can be about the process of accessing the plant or creating the drawing, the climate while in the field, and dates and locations where the drawings were made.

While most of the work is done in pen-and-ink, there is incredible variation to be found through experimentation in technique as Norman incorporates line drawing, stippling and cross-hatching and uses negative and positive space to create depth and movement, shadow and light.