The focus of Natalia Kapchuk’s art is the beauty of the nature and the ecological threats the world is now facing.
The artist uses her art to champion causes that resonate with all of us, bringing our attention to the pollution and ills of climate change threatening our world today. The creative artistic process starts with extensive research on the topics of global warming, the pollution of the ocean through plastic and other destructive behaviors impacting nature.
As a result, the artist expresses the message that humanity should think more about environmental protections and the conservation of natural resources.
The Lost Planet collection of mixed media artworks emphasizes how the effects of human actions are changing and destroying nature.
“Plastic pollution is without doubt one of the major threats to our planet, and thus we need to tackle it through innovate angles. I believe that Arts have the power of touching people’s hearts, and that’s why we’re delighted to be part of Natalia’s exhibition and to help her to create an impact and to inspire many individuals to become change makers.”
— Juan Castaño Vilas, Regional Director, Plastic Oceans Europe, 2021
“The global environmental problems we face are caused by billions of individual acts and decisions — we are all in this together. Earthwatch, as a science-based organization works across sectors of society to motivate change through creating knowledge and inspiring action. Using art as a means of communicating the issues we face increases the numbers and diversity of people we can reach on these issues. We are therefore, thrilled to be part of Natalia’s exhibition.”
— Dr Neil Bailey, Director of Philanthropy, Earthwatch Europe, 2021.
Earth or Mars?, 2022
Wood base, flocking (repurposed sawdust), acrylic paint, fiberglass construction
Diameter 120 cm, Mixed Media
Many factors set our beloved planet apart from other celestial bodies within space. Namely, the capability to facilitate life alone makes the Earth distinctively different from other planets in our solar system. This assured statement is due in part to the presence of water in liquid form on the planet and the existence of oxygen in the protective shield we call our atmosphere. These aspects, and many others, are why Earth reigns supreme. However, one planet giving humanity’s home here on Earth a run for its money is the infamous ’red planet’ and the fourth from the Sun—Mars.
Thanks to advancing technologies, dedicated research, and breakthrough explorations, science continues to discover the growing parallels between Earth and Mars, uncovering the mystery of the unknown. Among such similarities include the pair’s landforms. For example, the Libyan Desert, located in the northeastern part of the Sahara Desert, shares strikingly similar features to the red planet of Mars. Such comparable features came as an inspiration to artist Natalia Kapchuk in the creation of her art piece, Earth or Mars? (2022).
Fusing the deep orange hues of the Sahara Desert and the rusty red color of the surface of Mars, the artist developed a vibrant pigment combination to push the question: is this artwork depicting Mother Earth or the red planet none as Mars? The artist leaves the decision to the observer. The piece reflects the many similarities aforementioned and the importance of Mars’ exploration. Such probes aid scientist in understanding momentous shifts in climate while also searching for signs of life, whether past or future, and so much more.