Exhibition Super Insect Show
Rotterdam, Netherlands

Erick van Egeraat was commissioned by the Kunsthal in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to create the exhibition design for four exhibitions between 1995-1998. This represented a crucial time in the history of the Kunsthal, the Rem Koolhaas-designed building that was completed in 1992, as the institution was developing its identity and seeking ways to reach larger audiences. The “Super Insect Show” took place in 1997, which was required to be first and foremost an interactive synaesthetic experience. The exhibition featured twelve moving insects, enlarged up to 600 times their original size. The exhibition design sought to create the illusion of being in the vicinity of real animals. The main hall was completely blackened with only the insect models of dragonfly, honeybee, mosquito, flea, louse, tick, caterpillar, grasshopper, praying mantis, stick-insect and two fighting beetles illuminated. As a counterpart to this indulgent display, real insect specimens were also shown: in a separate study room the animals could be seen crawling in their glass display cases, with microscopes strategically placed inviting visitors to further their study and exploration.

Country
Netherlands
City
Rotterdam
Function
Exhibition
Size
1,000 m2
Assigned by
Kunsthal
Status
Completed in 1997