Lost Penguin

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Antarctica and spend countless cold days in the company of emperor penguins. I took some photos, but mostly I watched the emperors going about their activities. It was a profound experience, and also a reminder of how much our planet is impacted by the human footprint.

Climate change is our reality. In my lifetime, I have seen so much vanish. I often wonder whether future generations will experience the beauty of these magnificent and gentle creatures like the emperor penguins. Or will we know them only through carvings, images, and videos — digital artifacts of what we have lost?

On Earth Day 2024, I wanted to share something that reflects the harsh reality awaiting future generations. This is not just an image, but a composite that reflects my internal dialogue.

April 22, 2024. San Francisco