How do we understand complex ecological issues such as climate change and species extinction? What role do the arts play in this understanding, compared to — or in collaboration with — the sciences? What is the role of empathy or belief, as opposed to knowledge? This interdisciplinary panel discussion at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, on Wednesday, February 22 at 6 pm, will explore these important questions within the context of the new HMNH exhibition Next of Kin: Seeing Extinction through the Artist’s Lens, which uses special photography techniques, lighting and sound design, and specimens of extinct or endangered animals from Harvard collections to evoke empathy with our “next of kin.”

Presented in collaboration with the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies, Harvard University. Panelists include Carrie Lambert-Beattie, Professor of Visual and Environmental Studies and History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University, Christina Seely, Artist and Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Dartmouth College, and Ross Virginia, Myers Family Professor of Environmental Science and Director of the Institute of Arctic Studies at the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Uniderstanding, Dartmouth College. The panel will be moderated by Edward Morris, Artist and Professor of Practice, Department of Transmedia, Co-Director of The Canary Lab, Syracuse University.

Free parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Free and open to the public. Presented in collaboration with the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies, Harvard University.