Where Did All the Butterflies Go is an award-winning upcycled butterfly sculpture by New Zealand artist Lisa Watkins, created in response to the rapid disappearance of butterfly species in Aotearoa.

Winner of 1st Place at the Waitākere Arts 60th Exhibition and Awards 2025, this one-of-a-kind sculpture transforms discarded materials into a shimmering, joyful statement about loss, resilience, and transformation.

Made entirely from repurposed CDs and a salvaged mannequin torso, the work reimagines waste as iridescent blooms. Each hand-formed rose, wing-like leaf, and layered fragment catches the light from every angle, creating movement and a sense of flight — echoing the fragile presence of butterflies in our environment.

Inspired by the work of the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust, this upcycled butterfly sculpture invites viewers to pause, notice, and reflect on what is quietly disappearing around us, while still offering optimism and joy.

Rooted in Lisa Watkins’ artist-led, eco-feminist practice, Where Did All the Butterflies Go embodies the belief that beauty, meaning, and resilience can be created from materials otherwise destined for landfill.

This upcycled butterfly sculpture is available for purchase or art leasing, making it suitable for collectors, exhibitions, and shared spaces seeking contemporary art with environmental depth and visual impact.

This upcycled butterfly sculpture is available through Art Leasing NZ by MyShinyMadness.

Leasing offers a flexible, low-commitment way to bring award-winning contemporary art into your space without a large upfront purchase. It is ideal for businesses, organisations, and public spaces looking to introduce joy, identity, and sustainability into their environments.

Leasing options allow you to: