Explorers Against Extinction, a conservation charity based in Norfolk, is set to unveil its highly anticipated ‘Extinction’ exhibition this autumn in Scotland, in collaboration with the Fine Art Society. This thought-provoking exhibition presents an impactful combination of photography and sculpture, created by some of the world’s leading artists. It aims to illuminate the severe effects of climate change, including species extinction and habitat degradation.
Notable Artists Join Forces
The exhibition brings together sixteen esteemed artists dedicated to raising awareness about pressing environmental concerns. Notable contributors include Richard Deacon, Emily Young, David Nash, Peter Randall-Page, Jon Foreman, Eleanor Lakelin, Julian Stair, Conrad Shawcross, Sebastião Salgado, Richard Mosse, Beverly Joubert, Michael Kenna, Daniel Beltra, Andy Goldsworthy, Michael Pinsky, and Bigert & Bergström.
Scottish Debut at The Fine Art Society
Having previously enjoyed a successful launch at the Palace of Westminster in April 2024 and a month-long showcase at Nature in Art in Gloucestershire in June, ‘Extinction’ is making its inaugural appearance in Scotland at The Fine Art Society located on Dundas Street, Edinburgh, and will be showcased until October 19th. This prestigious venue provides a rare opportunity to experience these exceptional artworks in a single space.
Inspiration from Happisburgh
Ten participating artists have drawn inspiration from fossils, artefacts, and materials sourced from Happisburgh, the home of Explorers Against Extinction. This area is predicted to be one of the first communities in the UK to succumb to coastal erosion, as rising sea levels continue to erode its sandy cliffs. Excavations in Happisburgh have unveiled evidence of an ancient landscape, including fossilised hominid footprints, which date back approximately 950,000 years, making it the oldest known site of human habitation in the UK.
Artworks Reflecting Climate Change
Among the discoveries along the coast, teeth from Steppe and Southern mammoths can be found, species that faced extinction due to climate changes that flooded their habitats. Richard Deacon’s sculpture, Long in the Tooth, incorporates these mammoth fossils, reflecting on the long-lasting effects of climate change. He notes, “The four teeth represent a vast expanse of time and stand for what is now absent. Their loss is partly a result of climate change and fluctuating sea levels, evidence of which is prominently visible along the Norfolk Coast. I positioned the four teeth on four cut and polished seven-sided granite blocks, creating a harmonious pairing that is both celebratory and reminiscent of granite memorials.”
Key Pieces from Renowned Artists
Artist Emily Young features a Happisburgh fossil in her piece, The Connection – A Meeting of Minds, which showcases a quartzite head adorned with a 600,000-year-old flint hand axe. Similarly, Royal Academy artist Conrad Shawcross incorporates an ancient flint tool into his work to signify a human species rendered extinct by historical climate fluctuations. David Nash OBE has crafted Faraway Trees, a delicate piece featuring three ancient pine cones—some of the oldest materials he has ever utilised in his extensive career.
Themes of Time, Change and Loss
The exhibition showcases a variety of organic works created from wood, stone, clay, and other artefacts from Happisburgh, reinforcing the themes of time, change, and loss that permeate the exhibition.
A Call to Action
Sara White, Trustee of Explorers Against Extinction, underscores the importance of this exhibition: “‘Extinction’ offers a tangible exploration of time, illustrating how climate change leads to extinction. Today’s extinction crisis is largely driven by human actions, and we possess the ability to effect change.”
Photography Addressing Current Issues
In addition to the sculptures, the exhibition features photography that addresses current environmental issues, showcasing altered landscapes and endangered species. Highlights include remarkable works by renowned conservation photographer Sebastião Salgado and Richard Mosse, whose project Log Barges, Santarém uses vivid topographic imagery to depict the environmental degradation occurring in the Amazon.
Broader Reach and Future Exhibitions
“We are excited to bring ‘Extinction’ to a broader audience,” stated White. “Through the medium of art, we aspire to motivate individuals to take action against climate change and support vital conservation efforts.”
Following its run in Edinburgh, ‘Extinction’ will move to gallery@oxo at Oxo Tower Wharf in London for three weeks. At this venue, it will be included in the expansive ‘On the Edge’ exhibition, overseen by Explorers Against Extinction. This event comprises three distinct collections: Extinction, On the Brink, and Sketch for Survival, bringing together artists globally to address the pressing matter of species extinction. All artworks will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the charity’s initiatives.
