The Light Wrangler

Learn how and why Maggie West flips the switch on nature in an indoor-outdoor experience that reimagines NHM after dark.

Q: Your work is so magical and plays with the intersection of science and art. Why is that a compelling combination for you?   

A: Thank you. My work has always explored the intersection of documentation and fantasy. I love photographing the natural world with colored lighting because it allows me to highlight intricate details, like the scales on butterfly wings or the textures of plant leaves, while presenting them in a surreal, otherworldly way. The large scale of my installations further emphasizes these details while making the subjects feel even more fantastical. The natural world offers an almost endless range of subjects to explore, which is incredibly exciting to me as both an artist and a designer.

Q: Did you learn anything interesting about our natural world through this process of creating your work in an indoor-outdoor museum?

A: I learned so much from every department I worked with. While I discovered plenty of fascinating facts about the specimens themselves, what interested me most was learning about all the conservation work and scientific research happening behind the scenes. I think a lot of people, myself included before starting this project, think of natural history museums primarily as archives of the natural world, without realizing how much active research is happening on-site to protect species, support conservation efforts, and contribute to medical and environmental science.

Q: What was different or exciting about working with our scientists? 

A: The scientists were by far my favorite people to work with on this project. While I've collaborated with scientists and science museums before, I was especially impressed by the passion and curiosity your staff brings to their respective fields. Everyone was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the specimens I photographed, and they patiently answered my endless questions in ways that were accessible and engaging. I would happily work with scientists again on future projects.

Q: Do you have any favorite specimens that are featured in NightTales? 

A: The jaguar is a star. 

Q: Can you talk about your artistic process this time around? 

A: To design each section of the exhibition, I first met with the different museum departments to learn what they were most interested in highlighting. From there, I developed sketches and mockups of each installation. Once those concepts were approved, I spent a couple of weeks shooting specimens on-site at the museum. That was definitely the most fun part of the process, and I loved getting to know the staff. I then used the photographs and footage I captured to design the large-scale immersive installations, as well as the exhibition's marketing campaign. After completing the designs, I returned to conduct more in-depth interviews with the scientists about the specimens and their ongoing research. Those conversations, along with my photographs, became a series of Instagram posts that give audiences a deeper understanding of the subjects featured in the show. This project has taken countless hours over the past eight months, but I'm so excited to share both my artwork and everything I've learned with audiences in Los Angeles.

To learn more about West's work, see her website and Instagram.