In my artistic research, I delve into the presence of the unicorn in contemporary society. Specifically, I am intrigued by the unicorn as a magical creature (in many ways similar the dinosaur) that young people bring to various events such as festivals, football matches, and the seaside – often in the form of an inflatable object that serves as a buoyant seat or playful accessory in the water. This exploration, ongoing through the summer of 2024, aims to examine the juxtaposition between the decline of numerous sea animals in our oceans and the prevalence of fake, plastic, and inflatable animals that we bring to the water for recreational purposes. Utilizing a variety of second-hand inflatable sea creatures, the unicorn will serve as the focal point of my artistic research.
In his book “Natuuramnesie,” Marc Argeloo (2022) discusses the extinction of numerous animals due to anthropogenic forces. He introduces the concept of shifting baseline syndrome, where each generation perceives the environment based on their own experiences rather than its original or historical state. This can lead to a gradual erosion of perception regarding what is considered normal or natural, potentially masking environmental degradation. For instance, if someone grows up in an area where a certain fish species is scarce due to overfishing, they may perceive this diminished population as normal, unaware of its historical abundance.
Shifting baseline syndrome poses significant challenges for conservation efforts, as it can reduce the urgency in addressing environmental issues. Recognizing historical data and perspectives is crucial for accurately assessing ecosystem health and guiding conservation decisions.
Argeloo also explores the phenomenon of dinosaur fascination overshadowing recent extinctions. While dinosaurs are often portrayed in media and culture, many other species have recently gone extinct without receiving similar attention. He highlights the persistence of dinosaurs in exhibitions, films, merchandise, and popular imagery, captivating young children with their remarkable size and appearance. Despite never being seen by humans, dinosaurs remain ubiquitous in society, symbolizing a connection to the ancient past. According to Argeloo dinosaurs have never become extinct: they are still very much alive in our present society.
The story of the unicorn is in many ways the same. First of all, the unicorns are not only mythical creatures but they also really existed, as rhino’s, not horses. They were known as Siberian unicorns, a species of rhinoceros that roamed Central Asia until relatively recently. New research reveals that these creatures lived until around 39,000 years ago, much later than previously believed. Climate fluctuations likely contributed to their demise, along with many other large mammals during that period.

The appearance of the real unicorn difference in many ways from its mythical counterpart. The unicorn has appeared in various cultures' mythologies (Chinese, Japanese, Greek) with different interpretations. From ancient Chinese stories to Greek descriptions, the unicorn has undergone transformations, becoming associated with moral virtues, magical healing powers, and even Jesus Christ in medieval European culture. Its representation has also shifted in modern times, influenced by pop culture and digitalization, particularly through platforms like social media.
The evolution of the unicorn throughout history is indeed remarkable, although the changes often seem subtle and insignificant in detail. Yet, Odell Shepard, in his 1930 book “The Lore of the Unicorn,” emphasized the significance of these transformations. He observed that the unicorn symbol evolved from myth to fable, then from a representation of moral virtues to an actual animal, and later became associated with magic, medicine, and merchandise, eventually becoming an object of antiquarian research.
The modern unicorn trend, characterized by colorful imagery and inspirational messages, has exploded in popularity, especially among young people. Social media platforms have played a significant role in spreading unicorn-themed content, leading to a proliferation of unicorn-related products in both online and offline markets. This mass production has commodified the unicorn, turning it into a symbol of uniqueness and individuality in consumer culture.

In my artistic research, I delve into the presence of the unicorn in contemporary society. Specifically, I am intrigued by the unicorn as a magical creature (in many ways similar the dinosaur) that young people bring to the sea on sunny days.
Images below: Willeke de Bresser, Summer 2023, Italy