“By combining allegorical drawings of endangered species and text descriptions of green criminological research investigating consumer demand for wildlife and wildlife products, we hope to invoke empathy and understanding about the plight our fellow creatures are facing. Wildlife trafficking is an avoidable issue and we wish that endangered species will not be left existing only in illustrations like the dodo and the Great Auk”
The human impact on the planet is devastating (WWF 2018), with a 60% decline in species since the 1970’s. This follows The State of Nature Report (2016) which showed that 56% of British species have declined since the 1970’s. This huge decline is said to be the 6th Mass Extinction (Kolbert 2014) caused by humans it is known as the Anthropocene scene (Crutzen and McNeill 2007). A major cause of extinction is the poaching and trafficking of wildlife. A Eulogy for Animals Lost is an interdisciplinary exploration of this threat to non-human animals by Professor of Green Criminology Tanya Wyatt, World expert on wildlife trafficking and Amy Dover, artist and illustrator specialising in endangered species and animal rights. This is the first time a collaborative exhibition of writing and drawings has been seen of this kind.
The exhibition was shown in Newcastle, to show that this is not just happening in Africa and Asia, Britain too is a source of, and destination for trafficked wildlife. Combining allegorical drawings of endangered species and text descriptions of green criminological research investigating consumer demand for wildlife and wildlife products, it invokes empathy and understanding about the plight our fellow animals are facing. The exhibition was part of The Great Exhibition of the North and shared the gallery space with Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Damien Hirst.
A zine was published alongside as a takeaway from the exhibition and spread the message outside of the confines and audience of a gallery space. Data was collected through postcards and an on-line survey to understand people’s
knowledge of the issue and perception of the exhibition. Both the zine and exhibition had a call to action which showed how the audience can help. Dover curated the exhibition and designed all printed and digital materials. This was used not only to promote the exhibition but to spread the message. The wildlife trade has since come in the mainstream rhetoric, it is an avoidable issue and endangered species should not be left existing only in illustrations like the dodo and the great auk.
