Image above: Sue Anderson Christmas Island Pipistrelle coloured pencil on paper 30.5 x 22 cm
‘Extinct’ is a recently published book by Benjamin Gray which showcases stunning artwork and stories of Australian animals that have been lost to extinction.
Australia is home to an incredible diversity of native animals. While Australian animals are among the most unique in the world, they are also among the most endangered, with hundreds currently on the brink of extinction. We must act quickly if we are to save these species, as once gone, they are gone forever.
‘Extinct’ is a collection of artworks from established and emerging Australian fine artists, each depicting an Australian animal that has already, for various reasons, tumbled over the edge into extinction. The book features artworks from Sue Anderson, Dianne Fogwell, David Frazer, Bruce Goold, Nick Howson, Terry Matassoni, Rick Matear, Geoffrey Ricardo and Marina Strocchi. Each artwork is accompanied by stories of each animal, highlighting the importance of what we have lost, so that we appreciate what we have not lost yet. ‘Extinct’ laments their loss, but also celebrates their former existence, diversity and significance.
For more information, and to purchase a copy of the book, visit CSIRO Publishing’s website.
Image above: Dianne Fogwell In hope of company (Lord Howe Gerygone) 2020 linocut 76.5 x 54 cm
Image above: David Frazer Incognito King Island Emu 2020 wood engraving and type 9 x 5 cm
Image above: Bruce Goold Count Gallinule (White Gallinule) Giclee print on 300 gsm Canson French paper edition 25 58 x 41 cm
Image above: Nick Howson Paradise parrot 2019 oil on Belgian linen 90 x 120 cm
Image above: Terry Matassoni Kangaroo Island Emu 2019 oil on canvas 35 x 40 cm
Image above: Rick Matear Percy Island (QLD) Flying Fox 2018 oil on canvas 37 x 51 cm
Image above: Geoffrey Ricardo Lesser Stick-Nest Rat 2018 acrylic on paper 30 x 42 cm
Image above: Marina Strocchi Thylascinus Cynocephalus (after Broinowski) 2018 acrylic on linen 31 x 41 cm