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.
Tears of an Orca: Escaping Captivity, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
120 x 67 x 52 cm
The sculpture Tears of an Orca: Escaping Captivity by artist and environmental activist Natalia Kapchuk is a powerful piece from the series The Lost Animals. Created using recycled fiberglass, black chrome, and nacre chrome electroplating, the artwork highlights the exploitation of orcas and serves as a reminder of the numerous threats these oceanic creatures face.
The artwork addresses the significant dangers encountered by Orcinus orcas, commonly known as orcas, including human intrusion into their natural habitat, high exploitation rates in the entertainment industry, and various environmental challenges. In the wild, orcas can live up to 50-90 years, but in captivity, their lifespan averages only 10 to 20 years. As of 2023, approximately 60-70 orcas are held in aquariums and dolphinariums worldwide. Despite stricter regulations, orcas continue to be commercially exploited. Additional threats include habitat loss, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, and climate change.
Tears of an Orca: Escaping Captivity stands as a symbol of the fight for orca rights and a denouncement of their exploitation. Kapchuk’s use of mixed media creates a striking portrayal of the orca’s tragic situation. The sculpture features a highly detailed orca enveloped in black chrome, emphasizing the artificial and unnatural conditions of captivity. The nacre chrome coating adds a delicate sheen, highlighting the orca’s vulnerability amidst human greed.
The artwork captures the conflict between the orca’s natural majesty and its confined existence in aquariums and dolphinariums. Surrounding elements evoke the atmosphere of a circus arena, framing the orca as if it is trapped in an ongoing spectacle for human entertainment. The orca's gaze, directed into the distance, symbolizes its longing for freedom and a return to the vastness of the open ocean.