While studying the finest details of nature, what might Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary theory, have missed in the depths of the ocean? Master of contemporary visual art and photography theory, Joan Fontcuberta, seeks an answer to this exact question with his exhibition opening at the Centro Niemeyer Square in Avilés, Spain. Curated by Antonio Tabernero, the exhibition titled “What Darwin Missed: Lo que Darwin pasó por alto” brings visitors together with a fascinating visual inventory where science and fiction intersect, running from May 15 to October 13, 2026.
In this special work, Fontcuberta practically redraws Darwin’s route, setting out to photograph rare and extraordinary coral species that escaped the famous naturalist’s radar. The artist engages in a bold speculation on how much the existence of these hidden creatures could alter the canonical theory of evolution in On the Origin of Species. Featuring unique species such as Zoanthus sociatus, this rich selection invites the viewer to both question the history of science and witness the unseen wonders of nature.
Alongside its conceptual backdrop, the exhibition directly draws attention to today’s greatest ecological crisis. The corals filtered through Fontcuberta’s lens reveal the undiscovered beauty of creatures whose existence is severely threatened by climate change today. Open to visitors in the outdoor area of Centro Niemeyer between 08:00 and 23:59, this open-air inventory transforms into an aesthetic meeting of art and environmental conservation awareness.
Exhibition Note from NO-26 Editor
- Artist: Joan Fontcuberta
- Curator: Antonio Tabernero
- Exhibition: What Darwin missed. Lo que Darwin pasó por alto
- Venue: Centro Niemeyer (Av. del Zinc, Avilés, Asturias, Spain)
- Dates: May 15 – October 13, 2026 (Viewing Hours: 08:00 – 23:59)
- Aura: An open-air photographic inventory of high aesthetic and conceptual depth that questions evolutionary theory and the climate crisis through rare coral species that Darwin missed.
