The Darwin Method features artists Rachel Carroll, Samantha Glasheen and Kelly Stewart who pay homage to Charles Darwin by comparing the exploration and research of contemporary art practice with that of science. Using the collect, classify and record process that Darwin would have used each artist links their personal discoveries of imagery and perception in landscapes where Darwin once travelled.

Carroll, Glasheen and Stewart explore the gathering and recording of information as well as sharing a sense of journey. They have studied Darwin's route of exploration.... His travels from the Galapagos Islands to Sydney and then his return to home in London.

Each artist employs different techniques and materials, from silkscreen prints and drawings to mixed media paintings but the common element through the work is the expression /simulation of Darwin's analytical methods.

Carroll recorded her visit to the undeveloped Galapagos Islands using a camera and sketchbook to make notes and her observations have resulted in simple but bold paintings and mixed media drawings on paper.

Glasheen's paintings are inspired by Darwin the naturalist. Her mixed media paintings are in the style of field journals, botanical drawings combining art and science in a beautiful way. The date that each leaf was collected has been recorded and extracts from Darwin's letters have been incorporated into the paintings, bringing the exploration process to life.

The city of London with its eclectic mix of contemporary, Victorian, Georgian and Gothic architecture is the source of inspiration for Stewart. She uses the medium of silkscreen printing as a way to multi layer simple, spontaneous sketches and hand-written text to reveal the layers of London's history. The series also consists of striking mixed media drawings onto canvas.

These three young, competent artists have been practising for many years and their works are held in private collections both in Australia and abroad. Stewart has lived and worked in Edinburgh Scotland for over ten years and this series of London screenprints are being premiered at Marianne Newman Gallery concurrently with Gallery@oxo in the OXO Tower Wharf, on London's Southbank.

This is an exciting exhibition of work inspired by the recent 200^th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and demonstrates his influence on Australian contemporary artists at a time when biodiversity and preservation of species is so topical.

The exhibition opening will also launch a silent auction of paintings by the artists and the proceeds will be donated to FAME (Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species) for the "Devil Ark" sanctuary in the Hunter Valley, a protected nature reserve to provide a last refuge for Tasmanian Devils to prevent them from being decimated by the contagious facial tumour disease.