Stranded
Auckland, New Zealand
2021, Junior, Art
Reflection
Reflection
The largest impacts that occur on wildlife are the consequences of our actions. I wanted to explore with my artwork the effects of global warming on industrialised communities, and the repercussions of rising sea levels due to melting ice caps, ocean pollution and ocean acidification. I was born in New Zealand; I am a kiwi, and I value the unique flora and fauna that this country has due to our land being isolated 80 million years ago. I used the sky tower—a landmark of New Zealand’s progression and solidarity in this world—in my piece because it is an icon within our community. To convey my message of ocean pollution, I drew it as if it were made out of rubbish overgrown with bleached coral and added a trio of flightless native birds stranded at the top. Showing how much disaster we humans can cause on nature and wildlife is increasingly important as global warming is a prevalent issue that is reaching a point where we cannot reverse its effects. What we’re doing is not morally or ethically right. This is why blood splatters are left in the background: for us to see what will happen if we do not stop now.