Extinct in the Wild April 17 – July 5, 2026

Courtney Egan (b. 1966), Extinct in the Wild, 2020, 4k digital video, silent, ed. 1/3. Variable dimensions. Museum Purchase with funds provided by the HMA Docents, 2023.11 ©Courtney Egan

Jon Carsman (1944-1987), Sentinels, 1978, color silkscreen, ed. 54/100. 29 ½ x 22 in. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Frederic M. Chacker, 1983.09 ©Artist’s Estate

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for artists, offering endless beauty, wonder, and serenity. Yet, as humanity’s influence on the environment deepens that inspiration has taken on new layers of complexity and urgency. Extinct in the Wild reexamines the intricate and evolving relationship between humans and the natural world- a relationship characterized by both reverence and reckoning.

Anchored by Courtney Egan’s evocative video installation of the same name, this exhibition delves into themes of environmental fragility, human intervention, and the delicate balance between admiration for nature and its exploitation. Through a broad spectrum of artistic media—including painting, sculpture, video, and photography—the exhibition features works by artists who not only draw upon the beauty of the natural world but also challenge us to reflect on the consequences of human impact.

Through the lens of art, Extinct in the Wild serves as both a celebration of nature’s beauty and a call to action. It challenges us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and to consider our collective responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems that continue to inspire artists and scientists alike.

Organized by the Huntsville Museum of Art