A NEW exhibition that calls in to question the truth in photographic images is coming to Oxford this spring.

These photos by Oxford Brookes professor Paul Kilsby appear to show birds capturing their prey at night and illuminated by a flash of light.

In fact, they were staged by the artist in his studio using taxidermy birds.

Dr Kilsby, a senior lecturer in fine art theory, designed the project to call into question the way people often accept photographic images as proof.

It is also intended as a 'gentle parody' of natural history television series, particularly those by renowned documentary maker David Attenborough, which Dr Kilsby says 'always show nature at her very most spectacular, often adding exaggerated artificial sound effects and intensely dramatic music.'

He argues that these programmes raise expectations to the point where 'everyday nature can often seem rather dull.'

Mr Kilsby's photos will be on display in the Glass Tank from Thursday April 5.