GRADUATE SHOW

A catastrophe is heading our way, with humans being the cause. We have control over the whole planet, with that comes the management of its resources and wildlife. Our irresponsibility with these resources and reckless attitude towards wildlife have created dramatic effects, most of them irreversible. The United Nations state that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades, more than ever before in human history. We lack empathy and compassion towards the non-human animals we share the planet with. There is a moral question we have to ask ourselves. Is it our right to drive species to extinction?

Within my paintings I use a variety of mixed media, mainly acrylic and oil paints. This allows me to be expressive, complex and textured within my work, just like the wildlife. I have chosen not to represent the animals in a photorealistic style. Instead, I have depicted my subjects in a graphic, bold and vibrant way. Documenting endangered animals is a way to archive them for future generations, as one day the animals may be extinct and the only things we will have left of them will be photos, videos, drawings and paintings. I work with anthropomorphism, relying on the symbolism and meaning we have given the animals to create an emotional connection. Through the use of animal portraiture I aim to give the animals a platform to let them be seen as important and valuable, worthwhile to preserve and protect. I hope I have been able to impart some of the love, fascination and concern I have for these animals and their habitats.