The Vacuum
As the extinction of animals and plants becomes increasingly common, we may be approaching a sixth mass extinction. The Vacuum is a fine art photography series that reflects on the loss of life in recent decades while imagining the emergence of new species in a future shaped by environmental change.
The series consists of two images. The first portrays a human subject, emphasizing that humanity is not immune to the consequences of ecological collapse. The second is a still life depicting either the remains of an extinct species or the growth of a new one, enclosed and preserved.
Together, these works highlight the interconnectedness and shared vulnerability of all life on Earth. The series unfolds as a visual narrative, moving from extinct species to endangered ones and finally toward the possibility of new forms of life emerging through adaptation and evolution. Through this progression, viewers are invited to reflect on loss, survival, and the uncertain future of life on our planet.
SHOP Fine Art PrintsPhotography and Concept:
Studio Rik Versteeg
Model:
Celeste, Rik, Sylvia
Set Design / Styling:
Studio Rik Versteeg
Make-up:
Studio Rik Versteeg
Photography Assistant:
Mathijs de Kaper, Eren Mihael, Luca van Ruiten
English 
Dutch