The Atlantic Forest: Paraguay's Disappearing Ecological Treasure
Photographs by Feini (Sylvia) Qu

April 10–August 9, 2009
Porch and University Gallery

Reception: April 10, 5 to 7 p.m.

“Feini (Sylvia) Qu’s photographs from Paraguay are infused with her scholarship and engagement in zoology and habitat protection, and they reveal a complex layering of her interests in biodiversity, conservation, and documentary image making. During her three-month residency at the Estación Ecológica de San Rafael (ESCOSARA) in the summer of 2008, she collaborated with local rangers and scientists to photograph the range of native species and the related land-use issues of the area. Her photographs reveal the power inherent in the vision of a scientist/documentary artist - someone who not only perceives the particulars of the flora and fauna around her but who also sees the universal beauty of moment and place. With Sylvia’s images we also have the privilege of witnessing that rare addition of a lyrical aesthetic, the result of her careful observation and her deep experience as a picture maker. While her images describe the natural world of this part of Paraguay, they also pay tribute to a place and its diversity through the singular reverence of documentary creation.”—Tom Rankin, director of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University

Feini (Sylvia) Qu was born and lived in Beijing, China, until she was six and a half, when her family moved to Long Island, New York. In May, she will complete a double major in biology and biomedical engineering at Duke University. This fall, she begins her pursuit of a VMD/Ph.D. dual degree (doctorate in bioengineering, focusing on orthopedic tissue engineering) at the University of Pennsylvania.



A long-furred woolly mouse opossum (Micoureus paraguayanus) ambles down Noe de la Sancha’s arm. Photograph by Feini (Sylvia) Qu.





A portrait of Gregorio. Photograph by Feini (Sylvia) Qu.





A cronion skipper butterfly (Sostrata cronion) rests in the shade by a forest stream. Photograph by Feini (Sylvia) Qu.



This project was made possible by the DukeEngage program, a Duke Undergraduate Research Support grant, and a John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Award from the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University.








banner image:

Partial view of the Lyndhurst Gallery, one of four exhibition spaces at CDS. Photograph by Christoper Sims.


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