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.
The Disappearing Devil, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
100 x 140 x 130 x 15 cm
The Disappearing Devil created by artist Natalia Kapchuk is a captivating mixed media sculpture crafted from recycled fiberglass and finished with black and silver chrome electroplating. This piece, part of The Lost Animals series, captures the enigmatic allure and ethereal elegance of the Spinetail Devil Ray (or Japanese Mobula Ray), one of the ocean's most unique inhabitants. The artwork not only showcases the mysterious charm of these creatures but also brings to light on the critical threat of their extinction.
The Spinetail Devil Ray thrives in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and eastern Atlantic Oceans, typically at depths of up to 200 meters. Despite their vital role in marine ecosystems, their population faces severe decline due to commercial fishing—both targeted and incidental. This has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify the species as Endangered. Their reproductive rate compounds their vulnerability: they produce only one calf every 1-3 years and have a generational length of 12.8 years. The high demand for their meat, skin, liver fat, and gill plates, used in traditional Chinese health tonics, further exacerbates the threat. Projections indicate a potential population decline of 50-79% by 2056, particularly in regions with high fishing pressure.
Kapchuk's sculpture, The Disappearing Devil, masterfully captures the dynamic and airy essence of the Spinetail Devil Ray. The artwork vividly represents their remarkable agility and elusive presence in navigating ocean currents. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the sculpture serves as a poignant call to action for the conservation of this endangered species.