Elegy for the Unseen: The Art of Extinct Species A Special Exhibition at Orlando Science Center’s Fusion Gallery!

About this event

This ambitious exhibition explores the memory, mystery, and scientific significance of species that have vanished from our world. Biologists estimate that more than 99% of all species that have ever lived are now extinct—a staggering figure translating to over 5 billion lost species throughout Earth’s history. The scale of that loss is almost unimaginable. Elegy for the Unseen transforms that sobering reality into a visual experience, inviting visitors to consider creatures long gone but not forgotten through the eyes of contemporary artists and student creators. Visitors will encounter artistic interpretations of extinct species ranging from prehistoric giants to lesser-known vanished lifeforms. Be prepared to see Eric Wise’s depiction of the Neanderthal (Homo neanderthalensis), Trish Jimenez’s Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus), Angelo Vazquez’s Tyrannosaurus rex, Vera Gubnitskaia’s ammonite, and many other compelling interpretations of species lost to time. As a special bonus for visitors, the exhibition will also feature a genuine 200-million-year-old ammonite fossil from Brad Biggs’ personal collection, offering guests the rare opportunity to view an authentic remnant of prehistoric life alongside the artistic interpretations inspired by Earth’s vanished species. In a unique educational collaboration, the exhibition includes artwork by 11 students from Pace Brantley Preparatory School, exhibited alongside established adult artists, reinforcing the exhibition’s commitment to intergenerational learning, scientific curiosity, and creative exploration. Adding to the educational value of the exhibition, several gallery walkthroughs will be offered during the exhibition’s run on select weekends, led by educator Gisel Arias of Pace Brantley Preparatory School. She will discuss extinct species, their scientific context, and the artistic interpretations presented in the gallery. Dates and times will be announced at a later date. These educational talks will be open to all Orlando Science Center guests.