Artist Natalia Kapchuk’s latest project, The Lost Animals, emerges as a needed response to one of the most pressing crises of our time: the alarming decline and impending extinction of the planet’s critically endangered species. As both an artist and eco-activist, Kapchuk uses her craft to shines a spotlight on the urgent plight of these creatures, many of which reside on The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
This project serves as a poignant call to action, with each sculpture in the series represents a unique species, advocating for their protection and conservation. Kapchuk’s work is informed by years of meticulous research into the habitats and life histories of these endangered marine species. Her dedication is evident in the intricate craftsmanship of each piece, which employs materials such as recycled fiberglass using flocking techniques and finishes with hand detailing and electroplating.
Vividly crafted, Kapchuk’s sculptures capture the fascinating beauty and fragility of the selected species, emotionally underscoring the severe threats posed by human activities—such as commercial fishing, poaching, and pollution. These threats contribute to the degradation of marine ecosystems and the broader environmental crisis, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
In Kapchuk’s own words: “The diversity, beauty, grace, and mystery of our planet’s marine life have deeply inspired me. Sadly, many species face drastic population declines and potential extinction, primarily due to human activities. Through The Lost Animals series, I aim to confront these critical threats, awakening viewers to the profound and heartbreaking realities facing our planet’s wildlife and fostering a greater commitment to conservation and protection.”
The sculptures presented in this impactful series feature vulnerable species such as the Blue Whale, Great Hammerhead, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Spinetail Devil Ray, Spotted Seahorse, Green Humphead Parrotfish, Great White Shark, Killer Whale, and Sunflower Starfish. Through this collection, Kapchuk highlights the immediate risks facing these species and calls for collective action to prevent their extinction, preserving the delicate balance of Earth’s marine ecosystems.
The Lost Animals stands as a profound personal manifesto by Artist Natalia Kapchuk, transforming the precarious situation of each endangered species into a visual and emotional experience that challenges us all to confront and address the environmental crises affecting our planet.
Echoes from the Ancients, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
88 x 120 cm
Echoes from the Ancients is a powerful mixed-media sculpture by Natalia Kapchuk, central to her project, The Lost Animals. This evocative piece illuminates the plight of the Blue Whale, one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring and endangered giants.
Constructed from recycled fiberglass using the flocking technique, sapphire-blue, and silver chrome electroplating, the sculpture's design reflects the magnificence of these enormous creatures and the vulnerability of their existence in the world's oceans. Despite being protected since 1966, Blue Whales continue to face ongoing threats, including illegal whaling activities that persist despite a 1982 moratorium by the International Whaling Commission. These activities result in the loss of over a thousand whales annually, particularly in Japan, Iceland, and Norway.
The challenge is further exacerbated by shipping traffic. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List highlights the significant risk of ship strikes, especially around southern Sri Lanka, causing severe injury and mortality. While initiatives like the Blue Super Highway and Blue Skies programs exist, they have not completely resolved these issues.
The sculpture, depicting a whale breaking through barriers, symbolizes the struggle for survival against human-induced threats. This compelling visual not only accentuates the beauty of the Blue Whale but also serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts and respect for these creatures' migratory routes.