Badfish at Rookery Bay: Amanda Zirzow Explores Beauty and Ecological Disruption

Amanda Zirzow’s Badfish was selected for the 2021 Natural Selections: Painting Annual Exhibition at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

Presented by Friends of Rookery Bay and the United Arts Council of Collier County, the exhibition ran from November 2, 2021, through January 26, 2022, and explored interpretations of Florida’s native plants and animals.

Badfish approached the theme through the skeletal form of an invasive lionfish. Its anatomical structure, layered color, and strong contrast created a tension between the animal’s striking appearance and the ecological concerns surrounding its presence.

The painting reflects the connection between Amanda’s scientific background and her X-Ray Expressionism style. Biology informs the subject, while visual choices invite viewers to consider its wider story.

Zirzow Gallery welcomed the opportunity to share a work that encourages both close observation and conversation about Florida’s marine environments.