Bestiarium Fossilis del Paleorte a la creación artística

Abstract

This degree work explores Paleoart, a branch of Scientific Illustration that artistically represents subjects related to Paleontology, particularly extinct animals. Based on this premise, the evolution of cetaceans has been taken into account because they are animals whose ancestors were terrestrial and had to undergo a series of transformations to live in a marine environment. To personify this event, hybrid creatures, between cetaceans and humans, have been constructed as fossils. They illustrate a supposed return of humanity into the oceans, as an allegory of the animality-humanity duality embodied within each living being. These creations have been grouped within a fossil bestiary, made in the style of medieval illuminated manuscripts; thus, it is possible to demonstrate that, from science, artistic works can be generated to capture the attention of the viewer and serve as a link between art and science.