Jasper Doest and The Human Side of Monkey Business
Most of us – even the most wanderlust – could never imagine travelling to Antarctica. It seems to be the one continent that is out of reach, almost other worldly. For Jasper Doest, however, it’s not as far removed from our reality as we think.
Many wildlife photographers aim to capture the magic of the natural world, to depict its innate beauty. While the images from Jasper Doest certainly inspire awe, his goal is much greater than invoking momentary adoration. With his images, Doest aspires to leave lingering food-for-thought about the necessity for conservation efforts. In this age of the Anthropocene, we can assume that no part of nature has been untouched. The mark of humankind has been left on every corner of the Earth, disrupting many natural habitats, and forcing alternate ways of life. But what effect does that have on the natural world?
Doest tries to answer this question, drawing particular attention to the interference of human infrastructure on animals. He brilliantly captures images depicting everyday interferences we take for granted, such as birds walking around the concrete floor of a train station, or rather lying still after hitting the window of a tall building nearby. He has captured evidence of the jarring ecosystem that we have created within landfills – mountains of trash hopelessly climbed by animals who rely on the ground beneath it. By exploring the relationship between humankind and the natural world, Doest hopes to invoke real change by increasing efforts to protect the beauty that exists all around us. According to Doest, beauty can be found everywhere, we just must be able to again recognize the diamonds in the rough.
““My work is to make people care about all life that surrounds us. I try to do that in an engaging way where I try not to judge, but much rather ask questions about our connection with other species.””
Perhaps his most notable subjects thus far are Japanese Macaques. Doest’s stunning images draw attention to the sentient eyes of these so-called snow monkeys, highlighting the likeness we hold to animals, and the fragility that exists within all conscious beings. Japanese Macaques grow to be just 23 inches tall, weigh about 23 pounds, and can live up to 32 years. As their name suggests, they are native to Japan, and are the northernmost primate. We as humans are the only other ones who can withstand such temperatures. Also like us, macaques wash their food before eating it, a practice only raccoons share with them in the animal world. Macaques will even go as far as to dip their food in sea water for a bit of added salty flavour! After a nice meal, macaques are known to enjoy rolling snowballs for fun in their chilly environments. Jasper Doest recognizes these, and other remarkable humanlike characteristics in many species, and cites them as a reason to care deeply about conservation efforts. Other animals he has given particular attention to include eccentric flamingos (namely his friend, Bob), and various other birds.
Doest has spoken at notable events such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Germany, and leads National Geographic expeditions through the arctic, but you do not have to travel far to hear him bring his incredibly inspiring photographs to life. Jasper Doest, acting as a Voice for Nature, will be at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on March 12 & 13, so don’t miss your opportunity to see the 2020 Wildlife Photographer of the Year in person! I know I won’t.
