In Situ: Refugia

Refigium: an area in which a population of organisms can survive through a period of unfavorable conditions, especially glaciation. Plural: Refugia.

This body of work is a commentary on our rapidly changing environment, focusing primarily on the animals and glacial bodies that challenge refugia due to current geographic upheavals.

Whales are lifted from their ocean haven to sift through beautiful but foreboding skies. Arctic seascapes reveal beauty while conceding to inherent fragility. Icebergs and glaciers take their last stand as sentinels of the sea.

Amy Ruppel grew up in the Wisconsin woods just a short hike away from the Kettle Moraine Ice Age Center, inspiring an interest in science and nature from a young age. This fascination has always informed her creative output. She’s adept at many different media with a portfolio spanning digital illustration, drawing, painting and print-making. 

Show ran in February 8th through March 22.