Immortalized

Immortalized is a unique and unscripted television series aired by AMC in 2013 that offered viewers a rare and engrossing look into the world of competitive taxidermy. In this arena, there is much more than ordinary taxidermy on display. Each episode is replete with art, passion, and competition, ensuring viewers are riveted from beginning to end.

The eight-episode series highlights the eclectic, bizarre, and often overlooked expertise of preserving and presenting animals. Rather than focusing on the gruesome aspects of the craft, Immortalized propels the art of taxidermy into the spotlight as a fascinating mixture of science, craft, and storytelling. Viewers are given an unparalleled view into this world, where creativity and a profound respect for nature and wildlife are harmoniously intertwined.

The show's basic premise takes a competitive turn: each episode features an "Immortalizer," an experienced and accomplished taxidermist, squaring off against a "Challenger." The Challengers are new to the field, connected to the art in varying ways - some are accomplished artists branching out into a new medium, and some are traditional taxidermists hoping to make their mark. Each pair is given a week to complete a piece based on a shared theme, providing a riveting look at this unique art form under pressure.

Immortalized showcases an array of talent in every episode, exhibiting both traditional and rogue taxidermy. Traditional taxidermy maintains respect for the animal's natural state and includes careful study and detailed replication in poses observed in nature. Rogue taxidermy, on the other hand, follows a more imaginative route, allowing the artists to venture into the territory of fantasy and myth.

Judging the competition are three higly respected experts who evaluate each piece based on originality, craftsmanship, and interpretation of the assigned theme. They are Brian Posehn, a comedian who appreciates the humorous and absurd aspects of the art; Catherine Coan, an artist and curator with a keen eye for interpretation and originality; and Paul Rhymer, a veteran taxidermist who evaluates the technical prowess of every piece. The final judge is the audience, who bring their interpretation and reactions, providing another layer of excitement to the competition.

The Immortalizers featured on the show represent the very best in the field. Each of them is a storied artist dedicated to their craft, with a distinct style and approach. They include Beth Beverly, a rogue taxidermist known for her luxury fashion accessories incorporating taxidermy; Dave Houser, a traditional taxidermist with five decades of experience; Page Nethercutt, an award-winning taxidermist expert in mounted game trophies; and Takeshi Yamada, a rogue taxidermist whose work enters the world of speculative creature creation.

The host of Immortalized, Zach Selwyn, flawlessly navigates viewers through this unconventional world. His playful sense of humor, coupled with a robust sense of curiosity, sets an inviting tone for the show, making the world of taxidermy accessible and intriguing to all viewers, regardless of their previous familiarity with the craft.

The series goes beyond the initial shock value of its premise. Immortalized dives deep into creativity's raw essence, demonstrating artistry in a distinctly profound, somewhat eccentric dynamic. It brings an interesting perspective to the definition of art itself. Each mounted display tells a story, evoking a range of powerful emotions from awe to empathy. The juxtaposition of life and death and the exploration of the natural world's beauty through taxidermy underscores nature's fragility and permanence.

For those who savor an unexplored twist on reality shows, the unusual nature of the competition, and the remarkable combination of science, art, and storytelling, Immortalized undoubtedly holds a wealth of fascination. This series is more than just sensational; it's also enlightening and compelling, as it lovingly provides a glimpse into an obscure world, exposing its subtleties, remarquable artistic value and cultural implications.

The uniqueness of Immortalized is sure to leave an enduring memory of a world where conventional methods of artistic expression are beautifully upended, resulting in a compelling representation that celebrates the complexity or simplicity of life captured through the arresting, eternal lens of taxidermy.