Over the years, Zed Nelson has established himself as one of the most preeminent photographers in photography. He won the prestigious Photographer of the Year award at the Sony World Photography Awards in 2025. His celebrated series, The Anthropocene Illusion, offers a deep, spiritual exploration of humanity’s broken connection to the natural world. This six-year project not only documents human impact on the planet but critiques the artificial experiences that often mask this reality.
Nelson’s brilliant work is both a haunting and timely reflection on the destruction of our environment. But perhaps most importantly, through each powerful and striking photograph, he makes us feel the world. In his productions, the wild is carefully staged, and nature looks anything but natural. The Anthropocene Illusion hopes to encourage viewers to face sometimes uncomfortable facts about their relationship with the natural world.
The Vision Behind The Anthropocene Illusion
Photographer Zed Nelson ventured down this life-changing road for more than six years. Above all, he wanted to illustrate how our actions determine the future of our world. The series includes stunning scenery and powerful scenes of climate change. An Inconvenient Truth supremely embodies the arresting beauty of unadulterated nature versus environments engineered by man’s will.
Each image is an invitation to a world where the wild is heavily cultivated and cultivated to only exist within the frame of our media. The images provoke thoughts on how society interacts with the environment, challenging viewers to reflect on the consequences of their actions.
The Anthropocene Illusion doesn’t just chronicle decimation—it questions the authenticity of how humanity views the natural world. By showcasing staged environments, Nelson encourages a dialogue about the implications of artificial experiences on our understanding of the world around us.
A Powerful Exhibition at Somerset House
Beyond these pages, the Anthropocene Illusion took center stage at the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition, featured at Somerset House in London. This prestigious event attracted a diverse audience, eager to engage with contemporary photography that addresses pressing global issues.
Nelson’s series was voted the most compelling of the winning images of the year—a victory that struck a chord, deeply, with all attendees. Visitors were blown away by the eye-popping imagery. These visuals enraptured the public and effectively crystallized and oversaw a growing popular demand for combatting environmental degradation and climate change.
The exhibition served as a valuable point of entry to spark dialogue, inspiring viewers to consider their part in protecting the environment. Through this work, Nelson provided a stark reminder of the scale of humanity’s impact on the world. He motivated people to be activists in their daily lives.
The Significance of Recognition
This latest accomplishment cements his place as one of the most exciting and thought-provoking voices in today’s photography. This recognition highlights the relevance of his advocacy in advancing social equity and environmental justice.
Nelson’s series serves as a powerful reminder of the breathtaking beauty of the world’s last wild places. It is perhaps the most powerful reminder of what we stand to lose. He challenges viewers with provocative visuals that underscore the disastrous effects humanity is having on the world around us. This potent combination creates understanding and motivates a change in mindset.
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