Ruben Cordoba reviews the exhibition “Upward Mobility” by Einar and Jamex de la Torre, on view at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio.
Einar and Jamex de la Torre at the McNay Art Museum
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Conservationists Use AI and Photography to Help Hedgehogs
The National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme of the United Kingdom has a new tool to monitor the declining hedgehog population: artificial intelligence.
Images taken from trail cameras in urban parks, private gardens, woodlands, and farmland will first get sorted by AI, hopefully removing blank images or those capturing people. Human volunteers will then go through the animal images for further identification, according to Durham University, a partner on the project. It’s a first for tracking hedgehog populations, but one conservation group in the U.K. holds high hopes for it.
“Sadly, our much-loved hedgehogs are threatened, having undergone considerable population declines in recent decades. To reverse this trend, we need to remove the threats they face and put in place practical conservation measures. But before we can do this effectively we need to understand where and why hedgehogs are struggling,” a release from The British Hedgehog Preservation Society explains.
The hedgehog population in the U.K. has declined between 30 and 75 percent since 2000, the University noted in its release, explaining the need for this new AI-backed effort.
“Volunteer partner organizations are coordinating surveys in their local area, in parks, gardens and more rural areas, forming regional hubs to recruit volunteers who will put out cameras, and then collect them after 30 days,” The British Hedgehog Preservation Society release states. “The cameras will capture images of hedgehogs and other animals, which we will analyze to understand how we can better help hedgehogs.”
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society encouraged those who are interested and eligible to get involved as well through the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. The program is reportedly still looking for volunteers.
“It’s fantastic for our platform to be part of this important collaboration,” Russell Hill, professor at Durham University’s Department of Anthropology and Director at MammalWeb, says in a news release. “We’re looking forward to working with new ‘trappers’ and ‘spotters’ to generate the critical data needed to understand the status of hedgehogs in the UK and to develop strategies for their conservation.”
This is just the latest in increasing conservation projects using AI to help track, monitor, and help struggling species. Last year, PetaPixel highlighted the efforts of scientists using AI-powered camera traps to protect endangered animals.
Image credits: Header photo licensed via Depositphotos.
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park Opening In Montgomery, AL On March 27, 2024
The success of The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice has spawned a third Legacy Site in Montgomery: Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
Are You a Female Photographer? Enter To Win Epic Trip to Antarctica
Acclaimed photographer Ami Vitale is extending a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one female photographer. Organized by the non-profit Vital Impacts, which Vitale founded, the contest is giving one lucky winner a chance to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day Polar Latitudes expedition. Locations visited on the trip will include the Falkland Islands/Malvinas, South Georgia, and Antarctica.
The exceptional opportunity includes the 22-day trip (valued at $28,000), one roundtrip economy ticket to the departure point, airport transfer, shipboard food, and accommodations. Throughout the trip, the winner will be exposed to incredible photographic opportunities and learn about how Vital Impacts uses art to affect change.
“The decision to offer a trip to Antarctica to a female photographer stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the power of representation and inclusivity within the photography community,” Vitale tells My Modern Met. “Recognizing the field’s historically male-dominated nature, I felt compelled to provide a platform specifically tailored to empower and showcase the remarkable talents of women photographers.
“This initiative is about more than just capturing stunning images—it’s about sparking meaningful dialogue, fostering connections, and igniting a collective call to action for the preservation of our planet. My goal is to equip participants with the essential storytelling tools needed to advocate for environmental conservation. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, it’s crucial to harness the unique perspectives and voices of women in photography to amplify the urgency of our planet’s plight.”
The trip departs on November 1, 2024, and the contest is open to anyone female identifying with a demonstratable interest and history in visual storytelling. The winner must also be at least 18 years old by October 31, 2024. Entrants who can show a specific leaning toward environmental stories will be given preference. For the full list of requirements, expenses—like insurance—and details, please see the contest page on Vital Impacts’ website.
If you are interested in entering the contest, don’t wait. Entries are being accepted until March 28, 2024. If you’d like to skip the contest and secure your spot with a 10% off early bird special, visit Polar Latitudes and use the code travelwithami.
“When women see others like them succeeding in photography, it inspires confidence and ambition, encouraging them to pursue their own creative aspirations without reservation,” shares Vitale when asked why she felt it was important to support women in the industry.
“We need diverse perspectives to enrich the art of photography. Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.
“Ultimately, supporting female photographers is not just about gender equality—it’s about recognizing and celebrating their immense talent, creativity, and contributions to the world. It’s about creating a more equitable and inclusive industry where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Renowned photographer Ami Vitale is offering one female identifying photographer the trip of a lifetime.
Her non-profit Vital Impacts is offering an opportunity to travel to Antarctica on a 22-day expedition.
The trip, valued at $28,000, is open to anyone over 18 who is interested in visual storytelling.
“Women bring unique insights and experiences to their work, and by amplifying these voices, we ensure that a wider range of narratives is represented in visual media.”
Anyone interested has until March 28, 2024, to enter the contest on Vital Impacts.
Vital Impacts: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vital Impacts.
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100 of the World’s Top Photographers Use Their Art to Help the Environment [Interview]
New Film Follows Endangered Rhinos and Explores How Technology Can Bring the Species Back
Photographer Shares How a Community in Kenya Came Together to Help Orphaned Elephants [Interview]
St. Sabina unveils sculpture of Jesus weeping over gun violence victim: ‘I hope this wakes people up.’
The life-size sculpture , titled “Thou shalt not kill,” shows a hooded victim of gun violence facedown on the ground, bullet holes etched into his back, while Jesus weeps over him. “It’s heartbreaking because it’s real,” said Pam Bosley, who lost her son to gun violence in 2006.
Real estate photography firm HD Drones joins Fort Chamber of Commerce
The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce HD Drones, LLC as one of its newest members. The mission of HD Drones, LLC is to create an experience worth repeating by providing high definition real estate photography, videography, and services to real estate agents, homeowners, and business owners.
Owner Houston Dunkleberger has had a passion for photography since she was very young. She recalls sneaking her parents’ Canon T3 camera to take nature photography in her backyard. As she grew up, that passion never faded. She pursued coursework in high school and college to refine her skills and add structure to her creativity. As an adult, Dunkleberger feels lucky to have found her niche in the extensive world of photography.
Artists applications being accepted for ‘BUZZWORTHY’ bee sculptures at Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is accepting artist applications for their newest exhibit, ‘BUZZWORTHY!’.
Densely Heaving Lines Meet at Mountainous Junctures in Lee Hyun Joung’s Paintings
“Contemplation” (2024), 195 x 130 x 3.5 centimeters. All photos by Nick Verhaeghe, courtesy of Galerie Sept, shared with permission
In Ridge Lines, Lee Hyun Joung navigates along the roving meeting point of two adjoining bodies. The artist melds the artistic and aesthetic traditions of her native Korea with those of her adopted home in Paris, rendering intricately bisected landscapes where the two converge.
Opening next month at Galerie Sept in Brussels, Lee’s solo exhibition comprises several new paintings made with handmade Hanji paper and ink from Korean pigments and fish glue. The artist often works on the floor, drawing each thin, sweeping line in a sort of meditative trance. “Instead of flattening the paper, I let the random embossed pattern show through. I use my brush to create line patterns to emphasize or obstruct the paper’s natural relief. Through the movements of my body, I create a rhythm, without a structured plan,” she told critic Isabelle de Maison Rouge in advance of the show.
Lee’s works capture this repetitive motion as they heave toward the central crest. Her paintings have grown in complexity in recent years, expanding on the mountain-like landscapes to puncture terrains with deep, hidden valleys. The vertical “Chemins de Vie” works, for example, follow a winding path that loops and turns back on itself to create pockets along the ridge. Likening each line to “a day in the life of a human,” the artist grasps at the connection between time and space where seemingly disparate experiences join together.
Ridge Lines runs from April 4 to May 19. Find more from Lee from Galerie Sept.
“Collision” (2024), 100 x 130 x 3.5 centimeters
“Contemplation Vert” (2024), 147 x 80 x 3.5 centimeters
“Chemin Bleu” (2024), 130 x 100 x 3.5 centimeters
Left: “Chemins de Vie 2” (2024), 150 x 50 x 3.5 centimeters. Right: “Chemins de Vie 1” (2024), 150 x 50 x 3.5 centimeters
The artist’s studio
“Mémoire du Vent Bojagi” (2024), 195 x 130 x 3.5 centimeters
The artist working in her studio
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Densely Heaving Lines Meet at Mountainous Junctures in Lee Hyun Joung’s Paintings appeared first on Colossal.
Meet this Saskatchewan sculptor who looks to nature for artistic inspiration
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when you throw in nature and mix it with art, the results can be stunning. That’s the case with Saskatchewan artist Rich Loffler, who has a way of bringing life to everything he works on.
Professor Julia Lapping River On Woodcut Printmaking
Professor Julia Lapping Rivera is a Leverett-based artist who teaches woodcut printmaking at Smith College, Northampton and at Zea Mays Printmaking, Florence. She was Tertulia’s guest on 3/3/2024.
