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 Tortoiseshell Trade, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
100 x 100 cm
The Tortoiseshell Trade is a sculpture created by artist Natalia Kapchuk, offering profound commentary on the endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Crafted from recycled fiberglass and enhanced with green and gold chrome electroplating, the artwork captures the turtle's beauty while drawing attention to the devastating impact of the turtle shell trade.
For centuries, the exploitation of Hawksbill Sea Turtles for their shells has significantly contributed to their decline. Historically, these turtles were ruthlessly hunted for their shells, which were fashioned into decorative items such as combs, caskets, and jewelry. In the 20th century, Japan emerged as the world's largest market for turtle shells, with its Becco artisans importing over 1.3 million mature turtles and 575,000 baby turtles between 1950 and 1992.
Although the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) enacted a ban on turtle shell trade in 1977, illegal black-market trading continues to threaten the recovery of Hawksbill populations. The Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG) reports an alarming 80% decline in global Hawksbill populations over the past three generations.
Kapchuk’s mixed media sculpture, The Tortoiseshell Trade, poignantly reflects the tragedy of this critically endangered species while symbolizing the complex relationship between humans and nature. The green chrome finish signifies life, nature, and ecology, contrasting with gold chrome accents that highlight the historical value and symbol of wealth associated with the turtle’s shell—an association that has led to the death of millions of these majestic creatures.