Probes of Extinction — Kirsten_Palz

Kirsten Palz Sculpture as Writing

Probes of Extinction 2021 by Kirsten Palz
Probes of Extinction (2022–ongoing)

Probes of Extinction is an evolving collection of video footage that meticulously documents the details and characteristics of extinct species. Begun in 2022, the work showcases a range of biological elements such as skin, leaves, blossoms, plumage, bone structures, extremities, and fur. These carefully extracted and displayed elements offer an intimate glimpse into the anatomy of extinct animals and plants, highlighting the profound loss of biodiversity on Earth.

This work is framed within the context of the ongoing 6th mass extinction, driven by humanity’s unsustainable exploitation of land, water, and energy resources. The resulting catastrophic shifts in climate amplify this crisis, marking an irreversible decline in biodiversity within our lifetime.

Probes of Extinction is part of the archive Chronicle of Extinction, which preserves the memory of lost species, mourning the irreplaceable details of living organisms.

The project is ongoing and was supported by Stiftung Kunstfond in 2022.

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