— Asuka Hishiki hand printed thousands of Monarch butterflies on recycled paper to recreate a captivating natural phenomenon in the gallery. The butterflies appear to flutter from the ceiling to the marble wall plaque honoring the Arsenal’s original role as the American Museum of Natural History. Every winter millions of Monarchs journey to Mexico to escape cold temperatures, but this marvel is threatened by climate change and habitat destruction. While bringing attention to an ecological concern, Hishiki is also interested in the emotional impact of multiplying a single, precious specimen into a swarm.

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