For these works, sparking interest in, and appreciation for, critically endangered animal species was central to my artistic process. Fragmenting off into empty space to represent their dwindling populations, each animal was paired with a QR code (see below), allowing viewers to interact directly with the information crucial towards understanding their threatened existence.
Ideation/Concept Development
Static image: Same ink with 'changing' visual results
Amur Leopard gif, flash vs. no flash picture of work
Hawksbill Turtle gif, flash vs. no flash picture of work
Static image: Hawksbill Turtle, taken with flash
Javan Rhino gif, flash 'moving' across the canvas
Intrigued by the way that metallic inks can 'disappear' when viewed in certain lighting or at an angle, the initial execution for this project began in a physical format on small "tester" canvases.
At one point, I attempted to cover a clear plastic sheet entirely in metallic ink, with the endangered animal simultaneously emerging out of, and disappearing from, the foreground. It wasn't the cleanest (or most logistical) approach, but the tree outside my window did reflect nicely in this picture.
In a digital format...
...I also experimented with the idea of endangered species 'fading away,' in an overlapping illusion that progressively fades from vibrant color/detail to a sparse outline.
Additionally, very basic animations of disappearing, fragmented paw prints came into play...
...and while this was fun to explore, it didn't make much sense in terms of a gallery display.
Ultimately, for my Senior Show Exhibition, I went with a digital format of each species 'fragmenting' off, including a QR code* that went straight to information about each endangered species. Each work was printed at 240 ppi, and framed at 36" on its longest side.
*QR code is no longer active, but if you're curious, you can find some information on the Amur Leopard species here. Or the Hawksbill Turtle. And the Javan Rhino.
