Interspecies Cosmetic Seduction

This Thesis examines the relationship between the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and its pollinating bee (Eucernini) as a case study to develop a reflection on the materiality of interspecies seduction. Drawing on queer ecology and gender theory, it reimagines seduction as an interspecies subversive practice beyond anthropocentric and neoliberal paradigms. The design proposal uses speculative objects and performance practice to build a cosmetic tutorial video that merges synthetic aesthetics and other than-human erotics. Thus, the human body becomes a porous and crafted interface for interspecies relationality, affective entanglement and emancipation.