What will we leave for future generations?

Mathias Horne is a Canadian wildlife painter from Squamish, British Columbia, whose passion for nature extends beyond traditional painting to include science communication, conservation, and philanthropy. By partnering with wildlife photographers, National Geographic Explorers, scientists, and organizations, Mathias forms projects reflecting the anatomical and behavioural realities of the species he is depicting. These partnerships and projects offer audiences immersive intersections of fine art and scientific understandings while directly impacting biodiversity protection.

Through his artwork, Mathias seeks to replace fear and misunderstanding with empathy and connection in the human—animal relationship. His use of intimate portraiture, defined by muted colours and dramatic lighting, strips the subject of its context, revealing its personality and soul. The closeness these portraits foster brings person and animal onto equal footing, calling into question the actions we take that endanger them and the reasons we feel licensed to do so.

Collaborating with Non-Governmental Organizations, Mathias’ artwork is exhibited alongside conservation campaigns to encourage engagement toward initiatives striving to protect biodiverse ecosystems and keystone species. These artwork exhibitions have been hosted at The United Nations Headquarters for the High Seas Treaty Negotiations, The United Nations COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity, The Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress, The United Nations Ocean Conference, and the Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature.