Albumen Gallery in London has announced its new representation of photographer Shamani Surendran, launching the partnership with her latest photographic series titled "The Last Bird Song." The exhibition marks the beginning of a formal relationship between the gallery and the London-based artist, whose work focuses on environmental themes and nature conservation.
"The Last Bird Song" serves as a thoughtful meditation on environmental damage and destruction, exploring these complex issues through three symbolic elements that appear throughout the series: the bird, the leafless tree, and the fallen leaf. Through this collection of photography-based artworks, Surendran repeatedly returns to these powerful symbols, using them as visual metaphors to examine profound questions about witnessing nature's decline and understanding what humanity loses when memories are all that remain of natural spaces that once existed.
Surendran, who is based in London, identifies herself primarily as a nature photographer. Trees hold special significance in her artistic practice and represent a recurring theme throughout her body of work, inspired by the deep sense of connection she experiences when spending time among trees. This personal relationship with nature forms the foundation of her artistic vision and drives her commitment to environmental advocacy through photography.
For Surendran, nature photography extends far beyond simply capturing aesthetic beauty or creating visually appealing images. Instead, her work serves a deeper purpose by preserving fleeting moments of harmony between humans and the natural world, moments that serve as powerful reminders of what is currently at stake in our changing environment. Each photograph she creates—whether it depicts a forest scene, a flowing river, or a quiet mountain path—functions as both an artistic statement and a call to action, urging viewers to protect the fragile ecological balance that sustains all life on Earth.
Through her unique approach to nature photography, Surendran encourages audiences to see the world through an environmental lens that goes beyond simple appreciation. Her work challenges viewers not only to admire the natural beauty captured in her images but also to take active responsibility for safeguarding these precious environments for future generations. The gallery partnership with Albumen Gallery will provide a platform for this important environmental message to reach a broader audience.
