Printing Awareness: Endangered Species and A Piece of the Bigger Picture
Author:
Qian Qian Mei ’22
Co-Authors:
Faculty Mentor(s):
Eddy Lopez, Department of Art and Art History
Funding Source:
Douglas K. Candland Undergraduate Research Fund
Abstract
In the history of Earth, the planet has gone through five mass extinctions, where at least 60% of the species were wiped out within a million years. Some scientists have stated that the earth is currently going through its sixth mass extinction. Currently, there are over 15,000 endangered species and over 11,000 that are vulnerable due to different anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat loss or pollution. Many studies have shown the effects of these disturbances to animal populations and the resulting implications in the rapid decline of species’ population numbers.
Printing Awareness: Endangered Species and A Piece of the Bigger Picture is a printmaking project that incorporates 24 linoleum blocks to depict the endangered species – reptiles, birds, mammals, mussels – in the state of Pennsylvania. Each block can be a standalone piece, but when all the blocks are placed together, they form the map of the state, highlighting the many endangered species in Pennsylvania. This work is inspired by artists Sue Coe, Asher Jay, Mark Cawood, Banksy, Andy Warhol and their works advocating for animals, as well as Chuck Close’s gridded portraits.
Many people, including artists, have spoken out about the detrimental effects of human activity on the environment. My printmaking project aims to raise awareness for the numerous endangered species in Pennsylvania, and to give them a spotlight and voice. As humans, we play a role in their endangerment, however we can also play a role in their conservation.