Houge ignites debate on humans’ role in nature with bold artwork

February 01, 2026 / 10:19 PM

Sharjah 24: Christian Houge is a photographer and artist who explores the connection between humans and nature, especially in light of environmental issues and our impact on the world. He highlighted his insights at the Xposure International Photography Festival in Sharjah, where he discussed the Anthropocene, a period marked by human influence on the planet.

In his project, Residence of Impermanence,” Houge burn the stuffed animals he has collected and restored over the past years, placing them against beautiful English wallpapers, using the shocking contradiction to make a statement about how humans have treated animals, turning them into objects that emit fascination but find it difficult to show respect to them, an act that shows human nature of possession and ownership rather that respect and coexistence.

In an interview with “Sharjah 24,” Houge explained that his artwork blends beauty and destruction, aiming to spark feelings that challenge traditional mindsets, while also opening a deeper, spiritual conversation about nature. By releasing each animal from its limbo state, he allows them a final moment of light.

Throughout his work, Houge views photography as a way to explore complex ideas and show how beauty can reveal uncomfortable truths about our world.