maya lin in HD at times square

'what is missing' video still
all images courtesy maya lin

american architect maya lin has spent the last seven years creating what she calls her
'last memorial.' for 'what is missing' she has been traveling the globe to gain an understanding
of species extinction and to highlight what scientists and environmental groups are doing
to protect endangered species and their habitats.

the memorial consists of site-specific media installations, traveling art exhibitions,
a printed and digital book, and other forms. the four videos that are part of this expansive
project designed to build awareness about disappearing species are currently on view at
the giant 44-1/2 HD screen in times square.

we are now in the midst of the sixth great species extinction, in which a distinct living
species of plant or animal disappears every 20 minutes. at this rate, by some estimates as
much as 30 percent of the world's animals and plants could be on a path to extinction in
100 years. 'what is missing' asks us to pay closer attention not just to this crisis in biodiversity
loss, but like lin's other artworks will focus your attention on things that we have lost that
we might not even be thinking about.

the larger than life, high definition 44 1/2 screen is located on broadway between 44th
and 45th streets, directly across the street from MTV's offices and studio. at 44 1/2 is part
of creative time's long history of presenting public art in times square.


video stills


video stills


video stills


the listening cone

among the sculpture, video, sound, hand-held electronics, printed material and interactive
website which are part of the project is the permanent installation of 'the listening cone
at the california academy of sciences. the recorded tweets are sounds that lin collected
at cornell lab of ornithology.


the listening cone


the listening cone