Unnatural History

2025-2026

In one of the most nature-depleted regions on Earth— and in a time of separation from the natural world— people in the UK search for connection to other species in man-made, simulated environments. Museums, places where time stands still, provide comfort for visitors as the outside world keeps moving in a state of ecological crisis. Using the illusory effect of manipulated or fake nature, such as taxidermy, animal models and staged natural history dioramas, we compensate for a lack of authentic interaction with wildlife.

Unnatural History looks at the complex dynamic between humans and the rest of nature, through the setting of English museums. This body of work centres around extinction, highlighting the replacement of real nature, how and where it belongs, with artificial nature. In addition, my project examines the simultaneous closeness and distance between man and nature, touching on ideas of animal exploitation and objectification, whilst paying tribute to those whose remains are on display in museums as spectacle for human admiration.

Museums exhibit Western cultures of conquest, collection and construction. We label, order and house the chaos of biodiversity which was never meant to be contained, but left to run wild. There is a human tendency to insert ourselves into that world which we somewhat divided from and vice versa; ascribing meaning through human characteristics and stories to other beings, as if they lack value without being given such status by us. However questionable our methods may be, they are fuelled by a desire for connection, alongside the undeniable fact that we are part of the natural world and it is part of us.

This work has allowed me to think about my interactions with the (un)natural world, as well as society’s view, treatment and representation of other species. I hope it will encourage others to do the same.