Erasure pieces
My present doctoral inquiry explores the themes of loss, disappearance and the traces of ghosts of non-human animals. The disappearance of these animals from our natural world and their confinement, captivity, and exploitation for cultural representations have reduced them to being the hapless slaves of human society, thereby rendering them mere products in a world increasingly estranged from nature. This has lead to a world where they make up only make up 4% of all animals on the planet, humans are ever disconnected from our wild relatives. I seek to explore wether a final art practice can not only aid in the conservation of non-human animals, but re-wild humans and develop a greater connection with nature. This inquiry seeks to explore whether an ultimate artistic practice could potentially aid in conserving non-human animals, re-wild humans, and establish a deeper connection with nature.
Animals were the fist thing we drew and have been represented in art for centuries, often representing cultural beliefs and values. However, with the growing loss and disappearance of non-human animals their representation has taken on a new significance.
The Disappearing Walrus - The Walrus, once native to Britain, but extinct approximately 1000 years ago; occasionally returns. Today, approximately 150-200 species are believed to go extinct every day. Demonstrating statists, publishing scientific data and protesting, is showed to have limited impact on conservation from the general public, and in some cases such as protests, can have a negative impact. The drawing was created over a number of weeks then erased live on social media. It has engaged well over 1 million people with hundreds of comments. Thus was also projected in an installation at Lost Species Day, at a vigil, Northumbria University.
Once There Was a Bear Here - The bear, once the revered king of beasts in Europe, was hunted to extinction in Britain 1,500 years ago, despite once inhabiting the land in substantial numbers. Consequently, the bear was stripped of its title and became a villain. Several animal species have been successfully reintroduced in Britain, leading to an overall increase in biodiversity. Nonetheless, the bear continues to be a controversial species, primarily portrayed as a terrifying man-eater that perpetuates negative perceptions. This inquiry seeks to challenge such representations and engage the public with empathy and respect. As artist in residence for Natural England’s Natural Futures, which seeks to re-wild Britain and develop a the publics connection with nature, I developed this piece. A large drawing of a bear, who faces out at the viewer, every hair is visible, tactile and almost lifelike. I filmed the process over a number of weeks as he developed while an audience watched. He was the installed in the gallery of Newcastle Contemporary Arts. The participants were then invited to erase him. They were very reluctant to cause harm to a piece of art, and it made people very uncomfortable. The written feedback was interesting all saying they felt a greater connection to nature and a need to conserve it. Small acts that seem inconsequential in the Anthropocene contribute collectively to the destruction of nature. The emotional response elicited by the act of erasing the bear drawing had an impact, and the video of its creation and destruction has since been transformed into a video piece that has been shown in exhibitions and shared on social media. Currently, it has reached 800,000 people, garnered 150,000 likes, and attracted hundreds of comments and discourse. The drawing has a crucial role to play in raising awareness of the human-made sixth mass extinction and inspiring a greater connection between humans and non-human animals, ultimately leading to greater conservation efforts.
naturalfutures.co.uk
