Echoes of the Earth: An Elephant’s Plea

“Gently, They are Walking Away From Us” (2020) emerges not only as a poignant tribute to the enigmatic majesty of elephants but also as a stark environmental clarion call. As the three noble creatures gracefully exit the canvas, they take with them a tale of a world reshaped and scarred by the consequences of human actions.

Overlaying the vast backdrop, collage-like elements meld with intricate circles, reminiscent of our fragile Earth. Each circle, continuous and unbroken, is a testament to nature’s delicate balance. They could symbolize the eternal cycles of life, but they’re also a mirror to the world’s changing climatic rings. These cycles, which once spoke of nature’s rhythmic dance, now also narrate a story of warming temperatures, melting ice caps, and shifting weather patterns.

Gently, They are Walking Away From Us, 2020, collage/acrylic, framed 115 x 135 cm | (c) Rami Kangas

The Metaphor Animal

The surreal essence of the elephants, magnificent yet almost fantastical in their representation, also underscores the rapid transformation of our natural world. From the weight of a mere kilogram at birth to their multi-ton adulthood, elephants have journeyed through time, witnessing the planet’s ebb and flow. Yet, with the accelerating climate change, even these seismic creatures, attuned to vibrations beyond human perception, find themselves on unpredictable terrains.

Their mysterious mass deaths may be nature’s cryptic messages, but those felled by human hands paint a clearer, more tragic picture. It’s a narrative of encroached habitats, dwindling resources, and the cascading effects of global warming. The most harrowing mystery isn’t just man’s sporadic cruelty, but our collective negligence towards the looming environmental catastrophe.

“Gently, They are Walking Away From Us” is more than a visual feast; it’s a stark reminder of the interconnected tapestry of life. The elephants’ departure symbolizes the wider exodus of wildlife, a result of rapidly changing ecosystems. Their fading silhouettes beckon us to step up, reflect, and act before the world they represent walks away from us forever.