Photographed on film with ultra-sensitive film in diffused natural light and set against a white background, the nests of Belgian photographer Nathalie Baetens evoke an inventory “à la Bernd and Hilla Becher.”
Nathalie Baetens “discovered” her first nest—that of a weaver—during a report in Mauritius in 2019. Fascinated by the virtuosity and variety of these constructions, both solid and ephemeral, she began a near-exhaustive work, close to an inventory. Each bird species builds “its home” like an architect: design, shape, size, and structure are highly diverse. A true micro-habitat intended for the survival of future offspring, the nest must be functional, both comfortable and protective, to protect against the cold and bad weather, as well as potential predators. Towards the latter, it can be either discreet or deterrent, adopting a bunker-like form. The incredible variety of materials (twigs, grass, leaves, moss, leaf fragments, dried mud, etc.) is matched by the complexity of the techniques employed (weaving, amalgamation, stacking, leaf stitching, etc.). For some birds, the nest is also an element of the courtship display: built by the male, the small structure must seduce the female, who will then finish the interior with down, spider webs, hair, lichens, and other organic substances.
Initially collected from various French forests, these small dwellings were gradually supplemented with nests from around the world—the photographer then approached the National Museum of Natural History to gain access to nests from Australia, Colombia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and other countries. As the images unfold, these mini cabins appear as pure masterpieces, a lesson in functional ingenuity dedicated to the continuity of the species.
