Skip links
Explore
Drag

Verdant Awakening

ARTIST // Emma Schaub


CREATION DATE // 2023

About

In a not-so-distant future, Earth’s once-vibrant ecosystems teetered on the brink of extinction, confined within the protective embrace of Nature Domes. Amid the sterile landscapes of futuristic cities, Alex, a young man untouched by the touch of nature, found himself haunted by vivid dreams of untamed beauty and wilderness.

One day, Alex’s mundane existence took an unexpected turn. Venturing outside the rigid confines of the metropolis, he encountered the Nature Keepers—rebels who dared to live beyond the artificial boundaries, led by the enigmatic Eva. Once a prominent scientist within the high-tech cities, Eva had forsaken her former life, driven by the anguish of witnessing the Earth’s demise.

Eva sensed a unique connection in Alex, an unspoken affinity with the lost realms of nature. Revealing his lineage as a descendant of the ancient Keepers, she presented him with a choice that would alter the course of his life. Alex, fueled by an innate desire for something more profound, chose the untrodden path.

Joined by the Nature Keepers, Alex stepped beyond the secure confines of the Nature Domes, leaving behind the manufactured safety of the city. The outside world greeted him with a spectrum of emotions—awe at the untouched landscapes, fear of the unknown, and a sense of liberation that only nature could offer.

Under Eva’s guidance, Alex learned the ancient ways of the Keepers, understanding the delicate balance that once sustained the Earth. His journey was not without challenges, as the wild tested his resilience and adaptability. Yet, every obstacle brought a lesson, every threat a chance for growth.

As the group traversed the forgotten terrains, Alex’s perception shifted. The once-dreamt landscapes became his reality. The vibrant hues of blooming flowers, the symphony of rustling leaves, and the majestic presence of untamed creatures wove a tapestry that resonated with the very core of his being.

Eva, observing Alex’s transformation, recognized the rekindling of a connection severed for generations. The young man who had yearned for nature in dreams now embraced it with open arms. Together, the Nature Keepers and their newfound Keeper embarked on a journey not only to preserve but to revive the ancient harmony between humanity and the Earth.

“Verdant Awakening” tells the story of Alex’s evolution from a city-bound dreamer to a steward of nature. Through challenges and revelations, he discovers a profound truth—that humanity’s survival depends not on isolation within artificial bubbles but on rediscovering and embracing the splendor of the natural world.

More about the Art For Futures Lab here