DESCENDANT – most of these organisms are either endangered or considered to be extinct in some or most of their native habitat. (From the Dayton Art Institute’s website)

By Debra Knapke

A dear friend invited us to see an inspiring exhibit at the Dayton Art Institute.  The artistry of Isabella Kirkland beautifully displays the biodiversity of our world.  She achingly shows us what we have lost and what we have threatened as well as invites us to gaze upon the species that have been recently discovered.   It is difficult to describe the luminous quality of her work; please view the below pictures as the merest taste. If you want more, visit Isabella Kirkland’s website, where you can see her work and click on various species to see which ones we have lost and which ones we have gained.

A close-up of GONE – the species depicted in GONE are extinct mostly as a result of human colonization of the New world. (From QUEST’s sustainability website)