the exhibition 'the beauty of the natural' has opened in vigo following its recent display at the pazo provincial de pontevedra. hosted on the third floor of the redeiras building, the exhibition features 80 photographs that explore beauty as a central theme.
visitors will find a curated selection of images by professor adolfo cordero, which emphasise the importance of biological diversity and the need for its conservation. the exhibition combines scientific insight with aesthetic sensitivity, making it a unique experience.
promoted by the unit for scientific culture and innovation (ucc+i) at the university of vigo, the exhibition will be open until 22 december. adolfo cordero, a professor of ecology at the university of vigo and the lead researcher of the ecoevo group (evolutionary ecology and conservation), is an expert in entomology and ethology. his passion for photography stems from a desire to accurately and respectfully document the behaviour of organisms in their natural environments.
over decades of research across ecosystems in europe, america, africa, asia, and oceania, cordero has developed a photographic practice that serves both as a scientific tool and a form of artistic expression. the exhibition showcases nearly eighty images of animals, plants, and fungi from various regions around the world, including ecuador, costa rica, cuba, colombia, the azores, kenya, china, and australia.
in addition to their formal beauty, these photographs reveal the intricate relationships, behaviours, and balances that sustain life. the attention to detail, particularly evident in macro photography of invertebrates, coexists with a broader perspective that places each organism within its habitat. the diverse colours, shapes, and compositions highlight the planet's extraordinary biological diversity while inviting viewers to engage in a reflective aesthetic experience.
at the intersection of knowledge and emotion, 'the beauty of the natural' encourages a perspective that documents and challenges: to understand is to conserve, to observe is to value, and ultimately, to recognise our belonging to a complex yet fragile web of life. this exhibition is part of activities organised by the unit for scientific culture and innovation at the university of vigo in celebration of international biodiversity day, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the 'science back and forth' initiative, funded by the fecyt – ministry of science, innovation and universities.
