Iliana Sun, a dedicated biologist, artist, and storyteller, is steadily finding her voice in environmental conservation by combining her knowledge of science and art. With this union, Sun hopes to further the global dialogue concerning ‘wicked’ conservation issues and the intricate socio-ecological relationships inherent within them.
A former student of Duke University’s biology program, Sun’s initial interest in conservation was nurtured by her involvement in various research projects. These ranged from studying baboons and parasites to delving into the history of whaling and conducting lemur scent experiments. A keen interest in photography, further influenced by Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark Project, led Sun to pursue an MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts at Duke.
Sun’s maiden documentary was centered around the conservation of red wolves. This venture paved the way for her to explore diverse storytelling methods and formats, demonstrating her dedication to environmental issues. Leveraging her background in biology, Sun offers unique insights that bring an additional layer of depth to her art. “I aspire to portray a scientific, objective, and behavioral understanding of animals, steering clear of excessive romanticism,” Sun shared in a conversation with Duke Arts.
Building upon her understanding of science, Sun effectively integrates her storytelling approach in the domain of conservation biology. A project about the Vaquitas, the world’s most endangered marine mammal, was one such step in this direction, encouraged by the conservation research done at the Duke University Marine Lab.
In her work, “When We Say Vaquitas What Are We Talking About,” she discusses the complex socio-ecological dynamics involving Vaquitas. She sheds light on their situation through the perspectives of different stakeholders, such as a conservation biologist, a local fisherman, a Sea Shepherd crew member, and a student in a marine lab, all tied together by the fate of the Vaquita. Her work underscores the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of life, reminding us of the role humans play in preserving or endangering species.
Currently, Sun is lending a hand at the Animal Park at the Conservators Center, developing a deeper connection with the animals and educating park visitors. This immersion allows her to “truly observe and connect with each animal,” a viewpoint she integrates into her art, aiming to question and revise preconceived notions about these animals.
“I could face a 70-pound snake when she was craving food and be completely peaceful and calm. I would go to find my lion and complain about life for an entire afternoon, and she would just sit there licking her paws. When she was stressed about things, I would go and sit with her and we would just wait it out, until everything seemed to be fine. In my artwork I always try to tear the labels off the animals, the ones saying snakes are evil, lions are blood-thirsty kings, aye-ayes are meant for bad luck, among a lot of other impressions.”
Sun’s endeavor in both the arts and sciences realms shows that her career is a unique blend rather than a neat fit into a predefined category. She stands at the crossroads of art and biology, employing both fields to subtly highlight her message of conservation and ecological awareness. Her work gently nudges us to appreciate the intricate interconnectedness of life on Earth. In a world grappling with myriad environmental crises, her storytelling offers a promising approach for communicating scientific research and conservation efforts in a manner that strikes a chord with the public. It emphasizes the role of human empathy and understanding in the quest for biodiversity conservation and sustaining our planet for future generations. “My rationale is to share and present what I’ve learned, understood, and experienced through my art. Rather than trying to change the world dramatically, I prefer the long-term, slow and steady approach, much like the flow of a tranquil brook in a pastoral landscape.”
For more information about Iliana Sun’s work, visit her project website at www.ilianasun.com and the Animal Park at Conservators Center website at animalparknc.org.
About Iliana Sun:
Iliana Sun is a biologist, artist, and storyteller who uses photography and film to advocate for a scientific understanding of our environment. Her work explores complex socio-ecological relationships and focuses on wicked environmental problems.
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