IB VISUAL ARTS 2025

CATHERINE

Curatorial Rationale

The concept of my exhibition, the effect of human influence on nature, explores the fragile relationship between humanity and the environment, and how our actions have simultaneously celebrated, altered, and endangered the natural world. My works highlight both the beauty of unspoiled landscapes and the destructive consequences of human intervention, inviting viewers to reflect on their own role in this dynamic. By showing this juxtaposition, I can convey the effect and influence we as humans are having on the earth, and I also hope to spark an emotional reaction that leads to a stronger awareness of the importance of protecting our environment.

I chose a variety of artworks and art forms, oil painting, photography, sculpture, animation anddrawing. I was able to convey my intentions in a variety of visual ways. My multiple photography series were influenced by Atong Atem’s work, who uses portraiture and setting to convey emotion and the reality of human influence. In addition, Ansel Adams was another influence, as his black-and-white images highlight the natural beauty of the world showing depth and contrast, something I wanted to incorporate in my series. My photographs are captured in a way that allows the viewer to see the raw reality of a moment in time and what is happening within our world, but they also encourage the audience to question how long such moments of beauty can remain untouched by human hands.

Oil painting assisted me in conveying this very real narrative that we are living through. It allowed me to connect human items and natural items, which emphasised my message and linked strongly to my theme. The ceramic sculpture was inspired by Maria Primolan’s David Bowe head sculpture, whose life-sized works showed me how scale can heighten emotional response. My life-sized head touches viewers more directly, helping them connect on a deepemotional level. This also brought in a natural element of fresh flowers, further linking the work to my theme. By exploring sculpture, I also developed my ability to think about how art occupies physical space and how viewers can interact with an artwork beyond sight alone.

The charcoal drawings conveyed damaging and serious ideas. It highlights the reality of our actions, as there is no greenery visible in this artwork. Its monochrome starkness removs any sense of beauty, confronting the viewer with the severity of destruction. The rough textures, smudges, and darkened tones that come with charcoal also reflect the messy, almost irreversible consequences of human choices. Lastly, the inclusion of 3D animation enabled me to use a man-made element while illustrating the destruction we have created infiltrating the pure world we once had. Tyler Smith was a strong influence, as his detail in depicting nature was something I wanted to incorporate and adapt into my own digital piece. His work also reminded me that technology can be a tool for protecting memory and raising awareness if used responsibly.

The artforms I have incorporated into my exhibition assist in creating a strong connection between my artworks and the audience. My curatorial choices were guided by the desire to present works that visually and emotionally reveal the impacts we have on the natural world. Using these mediums was challenging, as I stepped out of my comfort zone, particularly with 3D animation and oil painting. I had little experience working with animation before, so I had toincrease my technical skills, which required patience and dedication. Guidance made the process smoother and more manageable, and it also taught me that collaboration can be an essential part of artistic growth.

Through this journey, I grew in confidence and skill, learning that stepping into unfamiliar territory can produce rewarding outcomes. By combining photography, oil painting, sculpture, drawing, and 3D animation, I created an exhibition that captures both the beauty and destruction caused by human influence on nature. Together, these works present a narrative of fragility, responsibility, and reflection, asking the viewer to consider their own place in shaping the future of the natural world. My ultimate hope is that this exhibition not only showcases my growth as an artist but also leaves the audience more aware of the urgent need to preserve the balance between humanity and nature.