October 2024 / Vivi fossilium living fossils

Vivi fossilium
living fossils

by Nola Avienne

October 03 - November 02, 2024
Opening Reception / Thursday, October 03, 5–8pm

Summer Hours:
Friday–Sunday, 12–5pm

Vivi fossilium proposes the acceleration of mineralization and fossilization of species as the rate of extinction accelerates.

As of December 2023, there are more than 16,000 endangered species, 9,760 critically endangered and 1,302 possibly extinct. 21 species were confirmed extinct in 2023 alone.

Reliquiae are the geologic fossil remains of animals or plants. The word also refers to things made or modified by human art in archeology.

The Reliquiae nunc (Remnants of Now) are represented as geodes symbolizing the possibly extinct 1,302 species of birds, coral, clams, plants, cephalopods, crustaceans, mammals, reptiles, arachnids, snails, insects and amphibians; scientifically tagged and mounted.

Magnus ludus (The Big Game) references man’s hunting animals to extinction for sport, arrogance, and trophy as a mineralizing hide that is an amalgamation of animals, shifting and breaking apart.

Umbrarum tropaeum (Trophy of Shadows) supports horns and antlers transformed into ghostly mica remains.

Government and research agencies worldwide predict one third of species will become extinct by 2050 due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, overhunting and loss of genetic variant unless dramatic changes are made.

ARTIST BIO //

Nola Avienne is a Seattle-based artist inspired by anatomy, chemistry and earth science. Her work has developed through the investigation and negotiation of the tensions between art and science, chaos and order, humor and discomfort. Nola has an MFA in fibers from the University of Washington and a BFA from Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design. She is a recipient of the 4Culture Individual Artist Project Grant and the Artist Trust GAP Grant. Her work is included in the Washington State Art Collection, King County Public Art Collection, City of Sammamish Arts Collection and the Seattle City Light Portable Works Collection.