Extinction

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My primary interest in wildlife had its origins in the contemplation of nature. However, my work has now moved into a more subjective emotional observation of the dire straits in which the fauna of the world has remorselessly been plunged. Through the interrogation of this subject, it is my intention to redirect the gaze of the viewer from the romantic concept of an African landscape to a current worldview where the imminent danger of a disappearing species becomes the focus.

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The use of monochrome imagery lends a dramatic slant to the subject highlighting the form. The choice of a closely cropped image where the viewer will be drawn into a direct gaze of an animal is a deliberate choice. The image must confront and engage. Whether the gaze is from a minuscule mammal or bird to the sinuous characteristics of a big cat or the power of one of the continent’s behemoths, the intention is to transport the viewer from a position of disinterested apathy to one of actionable engagement.

At present I am interrogating the notion of the relationship between myself, the viewer and the animal. Africa has always been portrayed as a savage continent within a romanticised framework. In contrast to this concept, my viewer must inevitably realise that the greed, avarice and destruction that is prevalent in the Africa of today necessarily obviates this romantic notion. The landscape of Africa is being scarred every minute of every day. I am aspiring to setting up a conversation with my work that will elucidate a sense of awareness while informing the viewer without resorting to the cheap trickery of imagery that reflects the gore and guts of this destruction. I aim to be bold, in your face and to confront you, the viewer to see Africa through my eyes!

 

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http://www.christinelamberth.com

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