Elephant in the Room Dioramas: Art or Science?
Date
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 6–9 pm
Location
Tickets
Limited paid parking will be available in the NHM Car Park on Bill Robertson Lane.
Elephant in the Room: Small Talk, Big Issues
Explore NHM’s iconic 100-year-old diorama halls after-hours with Elephant in the Room, a bold new discussion series that tackles thought-provoking, and sometimes controversial topics in the museum world and elsewhere. This year’s theme pulls back the curtain on the artistry, science, and controversies surrounding the museum’s beloved installations, providing a platform for dialogue and discovery. The inaugural series complements NHM’s latest exhibition, Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic and historic displays.
February 27 | Dioramas: Art or Science?
Join us for the first night of the Elephant in the Room series, where we focus on the history and evolution of dioramas. The evening will feature an art activity by Special Species, a discussion in the new Commons Theater, and will conclude with a cocktail hour to meet and greet the program participants. Don’t miss our moderator, neuroscientist and science communicator, Dr. Yewande Pearse in conversation with artist, Saul Becker, creator of A Peculiar Garden, along with an artist Yesenia Prieto from the art collective Special Species, the creators behind A Delicate Moment in Time, and NHM’s Exhibits Developer, Dr. Matt Davis.
Program Schedule
Activity | Foyer | 6–7 pm
Special Species Activity: Join the Special Species team, creators of the art exhibit A Delicate Moment in Time, and add a thoughful note that will be included into the exhibition with their new seasonal animal.
Meet the artists:
RFX1 (Jason Chang) | Artist
RFX1 is an artist born and raised in Los Angeles and has graduated from ArtCenter College of Design with BFA in Illustration/Design. He has worked with various cities, government agencies and community organizations throughout SoCal on public art projects that brighten up local communities with positive messages.
Joel Fernando | Artist
Joel Fernando is a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur specializing in storytelling, game design, and experimental technology. He founded YUMI, an innovative camera lens brand, and has developed groundbreaking marketing campaigns with companies such as Netflix, and participated in international artist residencies creating interactive experiences that bridge technology, art, and culture.
Yesenia Prieto | Artist
Yesenia Prieto, a Los Angeles-born designer and founder of Piñata Design Studio, merges culture with generational artistry. Since 2012, she has led large-scale installations for LACMA, Microsoft, and Rihanna. Her work, featured in galleries and media, revitalizes piñata-making through workshops, community events, and cultural collaborations.
Discussion | Commons Theater | 7–8 pm
Dioramas: Art or Science?
In this talk, we’ll explore the world of dioramas, from their historical roots to their cultural and modern-day significance. What makes a diorama? How have the intricate displays shaped our understanding of the natural world, both positively and negatively? We’ll dive into the ethical considerations surrounding the acquisition of collections and the delicate balance between art and science in creating these immersive scenes. Finally, we’ll explore the future of dioramas and how they should evolve to continue educating, inspiring, and challenging audiences for years to come. Join us as we explore their legacy, influence, and potential future.
Meet the speakers:
Dr. Yewande Pearse | Moderator
Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist turned science communicator, bridging the gap between science and culture. London-born and now Los Angeles-based, she is the founder of Nyewro, a science translation and communications company. Driven by the belief that science isn't just for scientists and has the power to connect people and communities, Nyewro's mission of "Broadening where science belongs" brings science into art galleries, music venues, and cultural institutions. She serves as an advisor to the California Science Center and is a Community Fellow at The Center for Diverse Leadership in Science at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.
Saul Becker | Artist
Saul Becker is an artist and designer born in Tacoma, WA. In addition to being an exhibiting artist he is also a partner in Mutuus Studio, a Seattle based architecture and design studio. He received his MFA from VCU in Richmond, VA and a BFA from The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
Yesenia Prieto | Artist
Yesenia Prieto, a Los Angeles-born designer and founder of Piñata Design Studio, merges culture with generational artistry. Since 2012, she has led large-scale installations for LACMA, Microsoft, and Rihanna. Her work, featured in galleries and media, revitalizes piñata-making through workshops, community events, and cultural collaborations.
Dr. Matt Davis | Exhibition Content Developer, NHMLAC
Dr. Matt Davis is a conservation biologist, paleontologist, and diorama historian whose research appears in National Geographic, The NY Times, and Rolling Stone. Davis was a Smithsonian Fellow before coming to NHM where he has edited two books: A Field Guide to La Brea Tar Pits and Fabricating Wilderness: The Habitat Dioramas of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Cocktail Hour | African Mammal Hall | 8–9 pm
Cocktail Hour: Enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet with the evening's program participants. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
Upcoming Events:
TAXIDERMY: CHALLENGES
OF A LOST ART
Join us March 13 for a discussion on the history and evolution of taxidermy.
THE MANY FACES OF CONSERVATION
Join us March 20 for "The Many Faces of Conservation," a discussion on the changing perspectives in conservation science.
