New Seeds

Supernature: Simulacra as a body of work is a deepening of Andrea du Plessis’ research into the sublime experience and our complex relationship with nature in an age marked by technological augmentation and simulation. As an extension of the Supernature series Du Plessis began in 2020, her current body of work explores the integration of emerging technologies with traditional oil painting to create interactive, immersive realms.

As a species living in the Anthropocene Era, we are currently questioning our environmental impact, becoming more aware of our interconnectivity with the web of life that sustains us. Simultaneously, humanity’s quest for technological advancement encourages us to spend more time in digital space, changing the way we access and experience nature.

By juxtaposing the Romantic tradition of landscape painting with emerging technologies, Supernature: Simulacra aims to create a link between nineteenth century and contemporary representations and experiences of nature while offering the viewer an opportunity to consider our interconnectivity with the natural world. Through the use of augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, it examines the contemporary sublime experience - the technological sublime - whilst aiming to create a new, hybrid form of nature, techno-nature.