Carolina Rojas (Teachers College)
Preserving Nonhuman Animals: A Case Study on Art Practices Beyond Anthropocentrism

• This multi-case study examines the practice of six artists whose work represents nonhuman animals through natural history illustration and taxidermy. Framed by critical animal studies and posthumanist perspectives, the study inquires into how these artists draw upon natural history styles and conventions to address human-nonhuman animal relationships and animal biodiversity in novel ways. It further explores participating artists’ intentions, artistic strategies and processes, and their understandings of the complex relationship among human and nonhuman animals. Through in-depth interviews and analyses of published documents and artworks, the research ultimately aims to suggest strategies for promoting responsible and just relationships between human and nonhuman animals. The findings are intended to inform future art practices and art curriculum, specifically at the college level.

Advisor: Dr. Olga Hubard, Director and Associate Professor, Program in Art and Art Education Teachers College Columbia University

Bio: Carolina Rojas, Ed.D.C.T. in Art and Art Education candidate at Teachers College, is a Colombian artist-educator, designer, and Fulbright doctoral grantee. Through analog and digital drawings and installations, Rojas’ artistic practice explores life-death dichotomies and human-nonhuman-animal relationships. Inspired by Victorian era curiosities, she integrates nonhuman animal themes and conservation, bridging art, education, and natural sciences. Rojas’ contributions to pedagogy and art have earned recognition and been exhibited collectively and individually. She is represented by Sketch Gallery. Rojas is pursuing an Ed.D.CT. in Art and Art Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she is part-time faculty and design fellow. Previously, she was assistant professor at Universidad de Los Andes’ School of Design in Bogotá. Rojas holds an M.F.A. in Digital Arts from Pratt Institute, a Specialist Degree in Design and Television Production from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and a B.A. in Electronic Media and Time Arts from Universidad de Los Andes.