Jozef Wouters

In 2011, Jozef Wouters set up the Zoological Institute for Recently Extinct Species with a group of scientists, activists and sympathisers. Their manifesto begins: »We should be angrier than we are«. Since then, the artist has relentlessly been poring over accounts of extinct animal species and critical moments in our natural history. In 2013, the institute has taken responsibility for constructing the monumental – and as yet unbuilt – north wing of the Museum of Natural Sciences. Using a collection of extraordinary images, observations and commentaries, the stage designer offers his viewpoint of the choices made by man in his relationship with his habitat. The temporary extension can be accessed by museum visitors during the day. After the museum closes, spectators are able to discover the story hidden behind the collection. A daring project that explains the ecological issue in an entirely novel way!