Artist: Maximilian Prüfer

15 Jahre Naturantypie

Maximilian Prüfer’s practice predominantly involves the exploration of natural processes and their transference to the visual image. Within this, Prüfer examines a range of existential, philosophical and political subjects in relation to evolution, humanity’s manipulation of and ultimate interdependence with the natural ecosystem, contravening the human cultural paradigm of separation from natural phenomena. One element of Prüfer’s practice where the expression of this analysis is salient lies within his unique representation technique recording the movements and conduct of insects that he has denominated Naturantypie. Through this methodological process, the very fine coating of the paper is displaced by the movement, creating an aesthetic that widens the concept of drawing independent of traditional tools. These works depict the most fundamental and instinctual forms of behaviour, including the impulse to survive and the economical employment of energy. However, this instinctual process is simultaneously manipulated by the artist by way of additional interpositions using barriers, scent, bait and light sources appropriate to the stimulus of each insect to manipulate the traces they leave behind. The works thus encapsulate an evolutionary process which continues and adapts despite the interference of humanity.