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.
Triton’s Hammer - The Kraken, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
71,3 x 130 cm
Triton’s Hammer, part of The Lost Animals series by artist and environmental activist Natalia Kapchuk, sheds light on the pressing issue of shark poaching and finning. The artwork specifically focuses on the Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna Mokarran), one of the largest species among the nine types of hammerhead sharks. The Great Hammerhead faces critical endangerment due to the high demand for its fins, particularly in regions where shark fin soup is considered a prized delicacy.
Measuring up to 4 meters in length and weighing around 230 kilograms, the Great Hammerhead is frequently targeted by illegal fishing operations seeking its sizable fins. In 2014, 4% of all imported fins in Hong Kong belonged to this species. Additionally, over 90% of the Great Hammerhead population in the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico has perished as bycatch, resulting in a 50% decline in numbers since the 1990s. Consequently, the species is currently classified as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Kapchuk’s sculpture utilizes recycled fiberglass and a silver chrome electroplating technique to capture the Great Hammerhead’s imposing majesty. This artwork not only portrays the power of this apex predator but also emphasizes its dire situation due to poaching and other threats. The artist highlights the significance of these sharks as top predators that help maintain balance within marine ecosystems. The alarming decrease in their numbers poses a risk of disrupting the entire food chain.