Claire Milner

Lives and works in Great Britain

Artist statement

I create collections that fuse science and nature within an art historical context. For more than two decades, my work has centred on environmental issues such as climate change and mass extinction. Through painting, I explore my enduring commitment to protecting habitats and endangered species - challenges that have become defining concerns of our time. My practice places these contemporary themes in dialogue with art history and literature, referencing and reimagining the work of diverse artists. Henri Rousseau is a recurring influence; his jungle paintings, created despite never having experienced such landscapes firsthand, serve as a powerful metaphor for the current extinction crisis. If biodiversity loss continues at its present rate, future generations may only encounter such environments through images and paintings. Self-portraits occasionally feature in my work, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advocating for those without a voice and introducing a personal dimension to these environmental narratives. My practice is driven by a belief in art’s unique ability to communicate complex and urgent issues, creating space for meaningful discourse through a universal visual language. My inspiration stems from a lifelong connection to the natural world and extensive time spent in Africa, South America, and Asia, experiences that continue to shape my work. Each painting requires hundreds of hours of execution, preceded by weeks of research into the environmental issues...

Artwork