Vivid flora and fauna coexist in immersive paper ecosystems by Clare Celeste Börsch

Lush layers of flora and fauna sprout in alcoves and crawl across gallery walls in the works of Clare Celeste Börsch (previously). The Berlin-based artist continues her ecological studies as she entangles paper cutouts into immersive ecosystems in which butterflies, birds, plants, and fungi coexist.

Börsch’s most recent work, “Phoenix,” takes its name from the mythological bird at its center. Emerging from an explosive volcano, the creature signals rebirth, a symbol that emerged following the trauma of the last few years and her own health issues. “In a world marked by change and uncertainty, we can find solace in the cycles of nature,” the artist says. “It is my hope that ‘Phoenix’ serves as a visual metaphor for our shared capacity to rise anew.”

If you’re in Berlin, you can see the piece as part of a pop-up exhibition through February 15, along with the artist’s “Biodiversity” installation starting February 13 at the Mexican Embassy and a new work within a cell at the former Köpenick Prison this spring. Otherwise, head to Instagram for more of her collaged environments.

Detail of “Phoenix” (2024)

Detail of “Phoenix” (2024)

For Scope Art Fair (2023)

Detail of an installation for Scope Art Fair (2023)

“Under Garden” (2022)

Detail of “Under Garden” (2022)

Courtesy: colossal