Madison Murray is a visual artist based in New York City focusing on the intersection of nature and anthropogenic spaces and structures. Her background as a researcher in animal behavior and microbiology drives her to emphasize topics of conservation and science communication. Additionally, her art is inspired by the Gaia Theory, an idea utilized by environmental scientists, that biotic and abiotic components of planet function as a singular organism due to natures constant quest for homeostasis. But how de we classify organisms as living or nonliving? Sentient or not? Organisms like insects (bees, for example) are currently being assessed for their ability to feel pain, communicate, and experience joy. Additionally, some plants have recently demonstrated to have the ability to communicate with each other through the release of chemicals. How do we denote what is alive or aware?

New York City has numerous biotic and abiotic factors that cause it to function as a singular and lively organism. Madison’s work assesses urban ecology, the abiotic elements we give life to through anthropomorphization, such as the subway, and the ways we mirror nature in anthropogenic spaces.