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.
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.
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.
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.
Knights of the Sea - Valor, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Flocking
31 x 60 x 15 cm
Natalia Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea, part of The Lost Animals series, presents a striking commentary on the urgent plight of seahorses. The sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass using the flocking method. Alongside their visual allure, each piece sparks contemplation of the seahorses’ precarious status.
Seahorses, with their distinctive, chess-piece-like shapes, play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures face severe threats from targeted and incidental harvesting. The Hippocampus Kuda, or Yellow Seahorse, is especially at risk due to its use in traditional Asian medicines. Each year, excesses of these seahorses are smuggled, with over two million sold on the black market.
In addition to poaching, seahorses suffer from habitat loss. Coastal development is destroying seagrasses and mangroves, while climate change, coral reef degradation, and ocean acidification further threaten their survival. The Bargibant’s dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti), which relies on specific coral habitats, is particularly vulnerable.
The vivid hues of Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea sculptures contrast with the sad reality of their threatened existence.
Knights of the Sea - Hope, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Flocking
31 x 60 x 15 cm
Natalia Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea, part of The Lost Animals series, presents a striking commentary on the urgent plight of seahorses. The sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass using the flocking method. Alongside their visual allure, each piece sparks contemplation of the seahorses’ precarious status.
Seahorses, with their distinctive, chess-piece-like shapes, play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures face severe threats from targeted and incidental harvesting. The Hippocampus Kuda, or Yellow Seahorse, is especially at risk due to its use in traditional Asian medicines. Each year, excesses of these seahorses are smuggled, with over two million sold on the black market.
In addition to poaching, seahorses suffer from habitat loss. Coastal development is destroying seagrasses and mangroves, while climate change, coral reef degradation, and ocean acidification further threaten their survival. The Bargibant’s dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti), which relies on specific coral habitats, is particularly vulnerable.
The vivid hues of Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea sculptures contrast with the sad reality of their threatened existence.
Knights of the Sea – Serenity, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Flocking
31 x 60 x 15 cm
Natalia Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea, part of The Lost Animals series, presents a striking commentary on the urgent plight of seahorses. The sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass using the flocking method. Alongside their visual allure, each piece sparks contemplation of the seahorses’ precarious status.
Seahorses, with their distinctive, chess-piece-like shapes, play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures face severe threats from targeted and incidental harvesting. The Hippocampus Kuda, or Yellow Seahorse, is especially at risk due to its use in traditional Asian medicines. Each year, excesses of these seahorses are smuggled, with over two million sold on the black market.
In addition to poaching, seahorses suffer from habitat loss. Coastal development is destroying seagrasses and mangroves, while climate change, coral reef degradation, and ocean acidification further threaten their survival. The Bargibant’s dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti), which relies on specific coral habitats, is particularly vulnerable.
The vivid hues of Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea sculptures contrast with the sad reality of their threatened existence.
Knights of the Sea - Passion, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Flocking
31 x 60 x 15 cm
Natalia Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea, part of The Lost Animals series, presents a striking commentary on the urgent plight of seahorses. The sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass using the flocking method. Alongside their visual allure, each piece sparks contemplation of the seahorses’ precarious status.
Seahorses, with their distinctive, chess-piece-like shapes, play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures face severe threats from targeted and incidental harvesting. The Hippocampus Kuda, or Yellow Seahorse, is especially at risk due to its use in traditional Asian medicines. Each year, excesses of these seahorses are smuggled, with over two million sold on the black market.
In addition to poaching, seahorses suffer from habitat loss. Coastal development is destroying seagrasses and mangroves, while climate change, coral reef degradation, and ocean acidification further threaten their survival. The Bargibant’s dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus Bargibanti), which relies on specific coral habitats, is particularly vulnerable.
The vivid hues of Kapchuk’s Knights of the Sea sculptures contrast with the sad reality of their threatened existence.
The Sand Makers – Mirage, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chameleon Chrome
100 x 55 x 15.5 cm
From Natalia Kapchuk's The Lost Animals series, The Sand Makers sculptures celebrate the Green Humphead Parrotfish, a crucial yet endangered species in our marine ecosystems. The sculptures are crafted using mixed media, including recycled fiberglass, electroplating, and eco-friendly acrylic techniques, vividly capturing the importance of this remarkable fish.
The Green Humphead Parrotfish is the largest of its kind, growing up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length and weighing as much as 75 kilograms (165 pounds). These fish play a crucial role in coral reef health through bioerosion. They graze on unhealthy corals, stimulating reef growth, and generating up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of white sand annually. This sand contributes to the formation of pristine beaches, such as those in the Caribbean.
Despite their critical role, Green Humphead Parrotfish populations are declining steeply. Once listed as a Species of Concern by NOAA/NMFS in 2004, they are now classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Major threats include overfishing driven by exotic marine fishing tourism, the demand for their meat as a delicacy, and habitat destruction from climate change and pollution.
Kapchuk's sculptures reflect the profound connection between the Green Humphead Parrotfish and the ecosystems it supports. Through her use of recycled materials, Kapchuk symbolizes the cyclical process of destruction and renewal that this species contributes to. The artwork not only highlights the fish's vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs and beautiful sandy beaches but also underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.
The Sand Makers – Desert Rose, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chameleon Chrome
100 x 55 x 15.5 cm
From Natalia Kapchuk's The Lost Animals series, The Sand Makers sculptures celebrate the Green Humphead Parrotfish, a crucial yet endangered species in our marine ecosystems. The sculptures are crafted using mixed media, including recycled fiberglass, electroplating, and eco-friendly acrylic techniques, vividly capturing the importance of this remarkable fish.
The Green Humphead Parrotfish is the largest of its kind, growing up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length and weighing as much as 75 kilograms (165 pounds). These fish play a crucial role in coral reef health through bioerosion. They graze on unhealthy corals, stimulating reef growth, and generating up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of white sand annually. This sand contributes to the formation of pristine beaches, such as those in the Caribbean.
Despite their critical role, Green Humphead Parrotfish populations are declining steeply. Once listed as a Species of Concern by NOAA/NMFS in 2004, they are now classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Major threats include overfishing driven by exotic marine fishing tourism, the demand for their meat as a delicacy, and habitat destruction from climate change and pollution.
Kapchuk's sculptures reflect the profound connection between the Green Humphead Parrotfish and the ecosystems it supports. Through her use of recycled materials, Kapchuk symbolizes the cyclical process of destruction and renewal that this species contributes to. The artwork not only highlights the fish's vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs and beautiful sandy beaches but also underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts.
From Great to Gone, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Electroplating Chrome
80 x 87 x 94 cm
From Great to Gone is an allegorical sculpture created by artist Natalia Kapchuk from her series The Lost Animals. The sculpture showcases the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), a widely recognized yet increasingly vulnerable ocean predator in all its majesty. Combining recycled fiberglass with silver, pink, and black chrome electroplating, the sculpture begets a powerful yet realistic appearance, emphasizing its symbolic and conceptual depth.
The Great White Shark plays a critical role in marine ecosystems as a top predator, contributing to species balance and preventing overpopulation and ecosystem degradation. Despite its significance, the species is facing severe threats. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Great White Shark is classified as Vulnerable, with its population declining.
The primary threats to this majestic predator stem from human activities. These include hunting for fins—driven by the demand for shark fin soup, which results in the death of about 30 million sharks annually—along with the exploitation of jaws and teeth for souvenirs and trophies. Additionally, Great White Sharks often fall victim to bycatch in commercial fisheries and become entangled in protective nets designed for beaches.
From Great to Gone vividly depicts the trophy head of a Great White Shark, symbolizing commercial exploitation and its grave consequences. The sculpture's use of recycled fiberglass and chrome electroplating techniques offers a visually striking and modern appeal, highlighting the sharp contrast between the shark's outward splendor, valued by humans, and the critical threats to its existence.
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.
Sunflower SSWD – Whisper of Time, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Sand Finish with Hand Drawing
Diameter: 60 cm
Depth Center: 15 cm
Depth Edge Line: 8,8 cm
Sunflower SSWD a set of sculptures from Natalia Kapchuk’s The Lost Animals series, highlights the urgent ecological crisis surrounding the Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia Helianthoides). As the largest sea star species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, Sunflower Sea Stars play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, their populations have drastically decreased due to disease, habitat loss, and human impact.
These sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass with a sand finish and hand-drawn details, capturing the natural beauty and fragility of the species. Through a combination of textures and soft curves, Kapchuk depicts both healthy and diseased areas of the sea star’s body, illustrating the severe impact of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD). First observed in 1972 and notably devastating between 2013 and 2015, SSWD has caused a decline of more than 90 percent in Sunflower Sea Star populations in some regions.
From 2004 to 2017, ecologists reported an 80-100% decline in the average biomass of marine animals, including Sunflower Sea Stars, emphasizing the scale of the crisis. Habitat loss due to urbanization, coastal infrastructure development, and shoreline modification has deprived sea stars of their essential living conditions. Additionally, intensive fishing reduces food availability, impacting sea urchins, mollusks, and other invertebrates that are crucial to the sea stars’ diet.
Sunflower SSWD is more than just a collection of sculptures; it is a powerful call to action. Natalia Kapchuk’s artwork underscores the importance of conserving Sunflower Sea Stars and protecting marine ecosystems. The sand finish and hand-drawn elements serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction caused by human activity, climate change, and pollution. Kapchuk’s work not only portrays the tragic decline of this species but also advocates for a comprehensive approach to its conservation, including disease management, environmental protection, and climate action.
Sunflower SSWD – Silent Sunrise, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Sand Finish with Hand Drawing
Diameter: 60 cm
Depth Center: 15 cm
Depth Edge Line: 8,2 cm
Sunflower SSWD a set of sculptures from Natalia Kapchuk’s The Lost Animals series, highlights the urgent ecological crisis surrounding the Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia Helianthoides). As the largest sea star species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, Sunflower Sea Stars play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, their populations have drastically decreased due to disease, habitat loss, and human impact.
These sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass with a sand finish and hand-drawn details, capturing the natural beauty and fragility of the species. Through a combination of textures and soft curves, Kapchuk depicts both healthy and diseased areas of the sea star’s body, illustrating the severe impact of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD). First observed in 1972 and notably devastating between 2013 and 2015, SSWD has caused a decline of more than 90 percent in Sunflower Sea Star populations in some regions.
From 2004 to 2017, ecologists reported an 80-100% decline in the average biomass of marine animals, including Sunflower Sea Stars, emphasizing the scale of the crisis. Habitat loss due to urbanization, coastal infrastructure development, and shoreline modification has deprived sea stars of their essential living conditions. Additionally, intensive fishing reduces food availability, impacting sea urchins, mollusks, and other invertebrates that are crucial to the sea stars’ diet.
Sunflower SSWD is more than just a collection of sculptures; it is a powerful call to action. Natalia Kapchuk’s artwork underscores the importance of conserving Sunflower Sea Stars and protecting marine ecosystems. The sand finish and hand-drawn elements serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction caused by human activity, climate change, and pollution. Kapchuk’s work not only portrays the tragic decline of this species but also advocates for a comprehensive approach to its conservation, including disease management, environmental protection, and climate action.
Sunflower SSWD – Desert Whisper, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Sand Finish with Hand Drawing
Diameter: 60 cm
Depth Center: 15 cm
Depth Edge Line: 7,9 cm
Sunflower SSWD a set of sculptures from Natalia Kapchuk’s The Lost Animals series, highlights the urgent ecological crisis surrounding the Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia Helianthoides). As the largest sea star species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, Sunflower Sea Stars play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, their populations have drastically decreased due to disease, habitat loss, and human impact.
These sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass with a sand finish and hand-drawn details, capturing the natural beauty and fragility of the species. Through a combination of textures and soft curves, Kapchuk depicts both healthy and diseased areas of the sea star’s body, illustrating the severe impact of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD). First observed in 1972 and notably devastating between 2013 and 2015, SSWD has caused a decline of more than 90 percent in Sunflower Sea Star populations in some regions.
From 2004 to 2017, ecologists reported an 80-100% decline in the average biomass of marine animals, including Sunflower Sea Stars, emphasizing the scale of the crisis. Habitat loss due to urbanization, coastal infrastructure development, and shoreline modification has deprived sea stars of their essential living conditions. Additionally, intensive fishing reduces food availability, impacting sea urchins, mollusks, and other invertebrates that are crucial to the sea stars’ diet.
Sunflower SSWD is more than just a collection of sculptures; it is a powerful call to action. Natalia Kapchuk’s artwork underscores the importance of conserving Sunflower Sea Stars and protecting marine ecosystems. The sand finish and hand-drawn elements serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction caused by human activity, climate change, and pollution. Kapchuk’s work not only portrays the tragic decline of this species but also advocates for a comprehensive approach to its conservation, including disease management, environmental protection, and climate action.
Sunflower SSWD – Earth’s Canvas, 2023
Mixed Media Sculpture
Recycled Fiberglass, Sand Finish with Hand Drawing
Diameter: 60 cm
Depth Center: 15 cm
Depth Edge Line: 7,2 cm
Sunflower SSWD a set of sculptures from Natalia Kapchuk’s The Lost Animals series, highlights the urgent ecological crisis surrounding the Sunflower Sea Star (Pycnopodia Helianthoides). As the largest sea star species in the northeast Pacific Ocean, Sunflower Sea Stars play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, their populations have drastically decreased due to disease, habitat loss, and human impact.
These sculptures are crafted from recycled fiberglass with a sand finish and hand-drawn details, capturing the natural beauty and fragility of the species. Through a combination of textures and soft curves, Kapchuk depicts both healthy and diseased areas of the sea star’s body, illustrating the severe impact of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD). First observed in 1972 and notably devastating between 2013 and 2015, SSWD has caused a decline of more than 90 percent in Sunflower Sea Star populations in some regions.
From 2004 to 2017, ecologists reported an 80-100% decline in the average biomass of marine animals, including Sunflower Sea Stars, emphasizing the scale of the crisis. Habitat loss due to urbanization, coastal infrastructure development, and shoreline modification has deprived sea stars of their essential living conditions. Additionally, intensive fishing reduces food availability, impacting sea urchins, mollusks, and other invertebrates that are crucial to the sea stars’ diet.
Sunflower SSWD is more than just a collection of sculptures; it is a powerful call to action. Natalia Kapchuk’s artwork underscores the importance of conserving Sunflower Sea Stars and protecting marine ecosystems. The sand finish and hand-drawn elements serve as a poignant reminder of the destruction caused by human activity, climate change, and pollution. Kapchuk’s work not only portrays the tragic decline of this species but also advocates for a comprehensive approach to its conservation, including disease management, environmental protection, and climate action.