As João allowed the position of the author to be assumed by natural processes, Nature The Artist was born. Today, his works are characterized by phenomena found in nature, such as meadow formations, fossils and beehives. João’s intention is to expose the works of art that already exist in nature as the true masterpieces of our world.

While Nature The Artist’s work calls attention to the power of the natural environment, it also serves as a critique of humanity. Often participatory, his work positions the viewer in a role in relation to the pieces. Both the artist and the works employ a suggestive force with the intention to change behaviors - as urgently as the planet needs us to do so.

The building and developing of colonies are things we have in common with the animal world, but - unlike most species, who do their best to evolve in order to maintain and progress their communities - humanity dominates, even destroys.

In his latest exhibition, The Colony, Nature The Artist asks the audience to explore a blacked-out room with a lantern, encouraging them to carefully approach beehive structures on display in the darkness. This quiet interaction, in these relatively vulnerable conditions, enables the audience to discover the residue of an unknown species, indicating all may not be as it seems. While the impressive beauty of the structures themselves stand, the stories they tell alter the perceptions of what the viewer is looking at, and emphasizes the ephemerality of nature itself.

Nature The Artist deliberately positions the viewer as the protagonist of the show and simulates a sense of discovery to prompt a much-needed self-reflection on human behavior. The Colony reminds those entering the show of the fragility of the real masterpieces already existing in the natural world, and calls us to shine a light on how our actions impact them.

Client: Nature The Artist

Design: Tomás Delft

Direction: Polly O’Flynn

Location: Gasholer, London