Cass Samms: Towards Extinction: Into the Afterlife - Grafton Regional Gallery

In Towards Extinction: Into the Afterlife, Cass Samms brings our attention to the issues of threatened species, extinction, and the impacts of humankind on the species of this continent. The Australian continent has grappled with accelerated extinction since colonisation, with many species becoming threatened and extinct, with loss of habitat and human impact.

In this exhibition, Samms references historical and ancient customs dealing with concepts of grief and loss. A particular focus is Ancient Egyptian culture, and its techniques of preservation and commemoration. In the face of extinction and loss of species, she ponders ideas of the afterlife, what can be done to commemorate extinct species, and preserve their memory.