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Nature Prevails I & II | Research Notes

This paired series blends fine art, textile craft and environmental symbolism, to explore the resilience of nature in contrast with human advancement.

Emerging from a conversation following my painting from the Postopia exhibition (The Modern Prometheus), these works envisioned as artefacts that might exist in a laboratory - poetic studies of science, decay and rebirth, through the lens of embroidery.

The recurring motif on the robotic arm, is reclaimed here by nature - one hoop embroidered with blight, blooming flora of spring, the other autumnal, dying plants. The pairing reflects a cyclical relationship: technology may advance endlessly, but nature prevails - reclaiming what we leave behind, quietly and infinitely.

 

The idea stemmed from the phrase, "Mother Nature always wins" - a reminder that regardless of human innovation, nature existed long before us and will endure long after. Abandoned spaces, overgrown ruins and the quiet persistence of plants became key visual influences.

 

 

 

 

Embroidered textile art of a robotic arm surrounded by vivid spring flowers, symbolising nature's resilience and rebirth.
Embroidered textile art of a robotic arm entwined with dried autumnal foliage, evoking nature reclaiming decay and the cycle of life and death.

"Nature Prevails I & II". 10" by 10" each, screenprinting and embroidery on hoop, 2019.

Final images and close ups of both pieces. Click for full size images.

 © 2025  by Olivia Nicholls Bates.

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