Baku immersive art exhibition highlights endangered species and our relationship with nature

Using art as a quiet alarm, a new exhibition in Baku is drawing attention to endangered wildlife and the need for environmental responsibility.

The Superheroes of Wildlife exhibition opened on 4 February at the Heydar Aliyev Center, presenting works by British and Australian artists Gillie and Marc Schattner, internationally known for their large-scale public artworks focused on wildlife conservation, equality and coexistence.

The Baku project is the largest exhibition the artists have presented to date. Nearly 100 works are on display, combining sculpture, painting and immersive elements that highlight endangered species and humanity’s relationship with nature.

Two recurring figures - Rabbitwoman and Dogman - appear throughout the exhibition as companions and protectors. The characters symbolise acceptance, harmony and the idea that different beings can live together while caring for the planet.

Speaking to AnewZ, co-creator Gillie Schattner said the project is designed to help people form a personal connection with animals.

“When people see the wildlife sculptures, touch them and get up close, they form a connection,” she said. “When they connect, they begin to care and then they want to protect wildlife. All the animals you see in our sculptures are based on real life.”

Her creative partner, Marc Schattner, said exhibiting at the Heydar Aliyev Center fulfils a long-held ambition.

“Ten years ago, we used to do mock-ups of our sculptures in front of this building without even knowing it existed,” he said. “Now our works are here, in this amazing space and in this beautiful country.”

The exhibition will run for more than a year and uses interactive elements to raise awareness about endangered species and conservation, positioning public art as a platform for social engagement and global responsibility.

According to organisers, The Superheroes of Wildlife aims not only to showcase striking artworks but also to spark dialogue about shared responsibility, climate pressures and the survival of vulnerable species.

The project encourages visitors to surround wildlife with care - and to see conservation as a collective global duty.

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