In Deer Park, Japan, (2016), Robert Zhao captures a deer crossing a road to get to the forested area beyond. The animal proceeds cautiously, checking its surroundings for any human presence, startled perhaps by a sound in the distance. Part of the artist's Natural History series that aims to document sites where nature is displayed or contained, the work reflects on mankind's relationship with nature and how human interventions have impacted the natural world.
In Japan, where the experience of the nature is greatly revered, national parks serve the important purpose of preserving natural sites and wildlife habitats as national treasures, ensuring that future generations can connect with nature with the same sense of wonder and joy that current visitors experience.