Explorers Against Extinction, a conservation charity based in Norfolk, has partnered with the Fine Art Society to present their latest exhibition, ‘Extinction’, in Scotland this autumn. Featuring a powerful combination of photography and sculpture by renowned artists, the exhibition sheds light on the devastating effects of climate change, including species extinction and habitat loss.
Sixteen distinguished artists, including Richard Deacon, Emily Young, and David Nash, have joined forces to raise awareness about environmental issues through this special touring exhibition. The ‘Extinction’ exhibition has already received critical acclaim, with a successful preview at the Palace of Westminster in April 2024 and a month-long display at Nature in Art in Gloucestershire in June. It is now making its Scottish debut at The Fine Art Society on Dundas Street, Edinburgh, until October 19th.
Ten of the featured artists have incorporated fossils, artefacts, and other materials from Happisburgh, the home of Explorers Against Extinction, into their pieces. Happisburgh, a community in Norfolk, is at risk of being lost to coastal erosion due to rising sea levels. The area has revealed significant clues about our ancient landscape, including fossilized hominid footprints dating back to 950-850,000 years ago, making it the oldest known site of human occupation in the UK.
Renowned sculptor and Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon has used mammoth fossils from Happisburgh in his piece, ‘Long in the Tooth’, which reflects on the long-term impacts of climate change. Similarly, Emily Young’s ‘The Connection – A Meeting of Minds’ features a 600,000-year-old flint hand axe, while Royal Academy artist Conrad Shawcross utilizes an ancient flint tool to represent a species of early human that became extinct due to climate change. Fellow Royal Academy sculptor David Nash OBE has also incorporated ancient pine cones, preserved in the sediments of Happisburgh, into his delicate piece, ‘Faraway Trees’.
Other works in the exhibition feature organic materials such as wood, stone, and clay, as well as additional artefacts from Happisburgh, further emphasizing the themes of time, change, and loss.
Sara White, Trustee of Explorers Against Extinction, highlights the significance of the exhibition: “‘Extinction’ takes the audience on a tangible journey through time, showcasing the devastating effects of climate change on species extinction. Unlike in the past, today’s extinction crisis is mainly caused by human activity, and we have the power to change that.”
In addition to showcasing artworks that address present-day environmental issues, the exhibition features stunning photography by globally renowned conservation photographer Sebastião Salgado and Richard Mosse, an Irish artist known for documenting humanitarian and environmental crises. Mosse’s piece, ‘Log Barges, Santarém’, part of his ‘Tristes Tropiques’ series, uses vibrantly hued topographic images to draw attention to the environmental devastation in the Amazon. Striking black-and-white photographs by Michael Kenna and Beverly Joubert, as well as an impactful aerial image by Daniel Beltra of Iceland’s Hvita River, heavy with sediments from melting glaciers, are also on display.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘Extinction’ to a wider audience,” said White. “Through the power of art, we hope to inspire people to take action against climate change and support the vital work of conservation.”
After its display in Edinburgh, ‘Extinction’ will travel to gallery@oxo at Oxo Tower Wharf in London for three weeks, as part of the larger ‘On the Edge’ exhibition curated by Explorers Against Extinction. This event includes three distinct collections: ‘Extinction’, ‘On the Brink’, and ‘Sketch for Survival’, featuring works by professional and amateur artists, as well as junior artists, from around the world. All pieces are available for purchase, with proceeds going towards supporting the charity’s conservation efforts.
For more information and upcoming venues, please visit Explorers Against Extinction’s website or contact Sara White at sara@explorersagainstextinction.org.uk.
About Explorers Against Extinction:
Explorers Against Extinction is a Norfolk-based conservation charity dedicated to raising awareness about species extinction and habitat loss. Through innovative art exhibitions and projects, the charity aims to inspire global action to protect endangered wildlife and preserve our planet’s biodiversity. It has funded projects in 30 different countries.
About The Fine Art Society:
Established in 1876, The Fine Art Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious art dealerships in the UK. Located on Dundas Street in Edinburgh, the gallery is renowned for its commitment to promoting fine art through exceptional exhibitions and events. The Fine Art Society showcases a diverse range of artworks, from contemporary pieces to historical masterpieces, providing a platform for artists to engage with a broad audience. The gallery’s dedication to the arts and cultural heritage makes it an
