Animal and plant species are constantly being introduced into new habitats around the world as a result of human influence. They often displace native species, disrupt ecological balances and thus contribute to the loss of biodiversity.

In his book »ALIENS«, Erik Irmer highlights 25 of these alien and invasive species in Europe. By visually removing the species from their original »natural« habitat with the use of colorful backdrops and studio flashes, they become the center of his examination. His main focus is on the actions of humans and how they encounter these species. Erik Irmer accompanies biologists and conservationists in their work and thus shows the often invisible places of scientific debate, such as natural history museums and research laboratories. The photographs are accompanied by text fragments from newspapers and online reports that provide insights into the media representation and public perception of invasive species.

Erik Irmer, *1976 in Ingå Finland; lives and works in Berlin.