Today, the world is changing before our very eyes. Glaciers are melting, animals species are growing extinct and the rainforest is on fire. In this time of constant upheaval, it’s no shock Libby Barbee wishes to capture the beauty of nature before it slips away. 

In the gallery “The Unbearable Impermanence of Things”, curator Barbee showcases the work of various nineteenth-century naturalism and contemporary artists. As it quotes on the wall of the gallery these artists focus on the “pervasive yearning to arrest and preserve nature.” This desire to prevent change is showcased through different pieces of art that host parts of nature, essentially freezing them in time.

As I enter the building I am immediately greeted at the entrance by a full size, taxidermied deer. In the front of the gallery there are around 20 other woodland animals placed in front of a green screen. These animals range from hanging falcons to a snarling wolf, making it an incredible sight. There is even a spot in the gallery where you can get your photo taken with this variation of animals. In an age where dozens of species of animals go extinct every day, these animals are permanent.

As I advance through the gallery, you can view a variety of different contemporary drawings, photos and sculptures. With a variation of different mediums and artists, this gallery offers something for everyone.  

These art pieces attempt to defy the impermanence of things by preventing them from changing. While it is impossible to stop the constant extinction occurring in our world, galleries and artists like these serve as a memory of what was.