Carboniferous Erasure
Drawing insects series 2023-2024
This drawing is from a series of work driven by a deep concern for existential threat of mass extinction, particularly focusing on the decline of insects within the ecosystem. Curiously approaching the interplay between the industrial capitalist system and the intrinsic power of insects as the biological foundation for all terrestrial ecosystems. I tend to view things in mythological proportions and as currents of energy. I imagine a epic battle between monumental systems, an "Electric God" and an "Insect God”. However, the saga is grounded in reality. About 300 million years ago the carboniferous period which is well known for its dense swampy forests which became most of the coal we use today, was also inhabited by giant insects. Today, insect populations are declining rapidly, 8 times faster than any other fauna, and could be gone within the century. Which puts all life at risk. One of the leading causes of this is climate change. I imagine the spirits of ancient giant insects are being released with emissions from fossil fuels return as a warning and a challenge, reminding us of their tiny decedents decline today, 40% of which are threatened species. The insects I draw are threatened, endangered or recently extinct species. Giant in scale and juxtaposed with local electrical substations.









