THE REPRESENTATION OF NATURE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE VIRTUAL REPRESENTATION OF NATURE AND ITS CHALLENGES

Abstract

In this thesis, I provide an analysis of the representation within the environmental movement that is based in critical theory. In considering the paradox which involves the awareness of an ecological crisis as well as a strong resistance to the creation of meaningful policy, I seek to root this problem in the representation of nature. This type of representation is constrained by a virtual account that is based upon constitutive identity and thus is sensitive to contextual perceptions of the discourse and depiction of the concept of nature. My aim is to give a critical analysis of the environmental movement as well as to explore the use of critical theory and contemporary art to enhance the approach of virtual representation in order to challenge traditional notions of natural beauty that can provide misleading accounts of the relationship between humanity and nature.