The Anthropocene Illusion with Zed Nelson

July 24, 2025
12:00–13:15PM EST
Chimpanzee. Shanghai Wild Animal Park. China. Naturalistic painted murals have become a common feature in zoo enclosures worldwide, aiming to give visitors an impression of animals in their native habitats The painted backdrop of the chimpanzee enclosure at Shanghai Wild Animal Park has been commended for its artistry but serves only to provide a comforting illusion to human observers. In their natural habitat in the forests of Central Africa, chimpanzees spend most of their days in the treetops. Chimpanzees are highly social animals — one of the most socially complex species among all non-human primates. In the wild they live in groups ranging in size between 20 and 150 individuals.

Join award-winning photographer Zed Nelson as he discusses his new work, The Anthropocene Illusion. Spanning the last six years, the project explores how, while we destroy the natural world around us, we humans have become masters of a stage-managed, artificial ‘experience’ of nature – a reassuring spectacle, an illusion. The work reveals not only a phenomenon of denial and self-delusion, but also a genuine craving for a connection to a world we have turned our back on.

Hosted by contributing photographer to The VII Foundation Ilvy Njiokiktjien, the discussion will also explore Zed’s photographic approach, driven by a critical focus on the intersection of modern capitalism and human psychology.

Participants

Ilvy Njiokiktjien is an independent photographer and multimedia journalist based in the Netherlands. She has worked in many parts of the world, focusing on Africa. As a news and documentary photographer, she covers current affairs and contemporary social issues.
Zed Nelson is a photographer known for long-term projects that explore contemporary society. His work is driven by a critical focus on the intersection of modern capitalism and human psychology.