Visual of Fake Nature
Theme

Fake Nature

Deliver us from prosthetic nature

Fake nature is a replica of old nature. Where ‘authentic’ nature is organic, genetic, and alive, fake nature is not. It projects the illusion of life, be it plant or animal, on man-made and inanimate objects. Yet fake nature is not a dull, devalued shadow of living nature. It is rich in cultural associations that grow, morph, and interact with society and the natural environment. Phone antenna trees grow alongside real pines, dioramas are carefully studied, and the mountains themselves are under girded with steel.

Staff Picks

‘Illusion is no longer possible, because the real is no longer possible’
Visual of Simulacra and Simulations

Simulacra and Simulations

The simulacrum is never that which conceals the truth--it is the truth which conceals that there is none. The …

Olafur Eliasson's Waterfalls

In 2008, artist Olafur Eliasson installed four artificial waterfalls in various sites around the waterfront of New York City. It is one of the most expensive public arts projects ever undertaken, and probably one of the priciest instances of fake nature.

Visual of

Space Station

Van Mensvoort

If you would have shown this picture to people 50 years ago, they might have imagined it to be one of those promised …

Visual of

Birthmarks Tattoo

Van Mensvoort

As the name suggests, Birthmarks Tattoos , are fake - but permanent - birthmarks that you can add to your body. Aside …

Visual of

Robotic Red Snapper

Van Mensvoort

Just because you're feeling paranoid, doesn't mean the fish aren't actually spying on you. Engineers at the University …