Axel Goossens (b. 1987) is a Belgian artist whose fascination with the natural world began in childhood, when he spent hours roaming forests in search of bones, fossils, and other curiosities. These early explorations sparked a lifelong passion for nature’s diversity and a deep interest in evolutionary biology. Working primarily with paper, Goossens creates remarkably lifelike animal sculptures—from extinct dodos and towering dinosaur skeletons to delicate insects and arctic narwhals. He starts each piece by designing a virtual 3D model, then flattening it into patterns that he prints on acid-free paper. After painstakingly cutting, folding, and assembling, he strengthens the sculpture with epoxy resin, resulting in works that balance organic realism with a touch of the fantastical. His striking creations have captured the attention of notable collectors, including celebrated interior designer Gert Voorjans, and have been showcased in diverse settings, from Granada Gallery in the Botanic Sanctuary in Antwerp to Bank Degroof Petercam, which also acquired several of his pieces. In one of his largest undertakings, Goossens researched museum specimens in Paris, Liège, and Ghent to accurately reconstruct the six-meter skeleton of a narwhal—each bone folded from paper. He often collaborates with taxidermists and metalworkers to ensure scientific precision and structural stability. For Goossens, storytelling is as essential as technique. Whether it’s detailing a Greek tortoise’s aerial encounter with a golden eagle or weaving in mythological references, he invites viewers into a world where art meets science. Through his sculptures, he hopes to share the enchantment he finds in nature, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of wonder about the living world.