Being the biggest land mammals on the planets, elephants require large areas of land filled with food and water to survive, as a consequence. Contrary to the growth of mankind’s global population, the number of elephants around the world have remarkably dropped because of their home gradually destroyed and their kind hunted by humans.
Source: CoExistence
In an attempt to raise public awareness on the animal’s plight, the CoExistence, an environmental art installation of 100 life-sized lantana elephant sculptures, has been organized by the partnership between Elephant Family and The Real Elephant Collective, aiming to bring them across the globe.
Source: CoExistence
The extensive journey of the CoExistence elephants began in India, where they were hand-crafted by locals in the forests of Tamil Nadu. The elephants, entering London in early May, had eight of their kinds exhibited in June, scattered across London’s Royal Parks and Berkley Square.
Source: CoExistence
The ultimate goal of the display, says the organizers, is to point out the adverse impacts of human invasion and appropriation of wild spaces. Beside their beauty, the elephant sculptures’ message also reminds people of changing their living way, coexisting more with the surrounding environment.
Source: CoExistence
“CoExistence is a call to change the global conservation paradigm,” claims Dr. Tarsh Thekaekara. “From saving nature in far-away pockets to living well with nature around us. To value the human connection with nature and celebrate all life forms around us by sharing space. To encourage people to remember that they are of, and for nature. We have the capacity to heal, grow, thrive, and support symbiotically with nature, as other species do.”
Source: CoExistence
The CoExistence campaign plans to raise funds for grassroots institution across India working their way to ensure safe coexistence between humans and wild animals. The notable strategies include encouraging local understanding and values of tolerance to wildlife, designing technological solutions to keep both humans and wildlife in peace in shared areas, and limiting the impact of roads and railway lines towards safe travels for the animals, alongside other measures.
Source: CoExistence
Furthermore, a collection of original artworks by award-winning artist George Butler, which emphasizes the theme of peaceful human-wildlife coexistence, were also exhibited in Sladmore Contemporary, besides the sculptures.
Source: CoExistence
“CoExistence is confirmation of a moment when society realized they had to do more,” Butler tells My Modern Met. “And the realization that this is an issue bigger than ourselves, bigger than individuals and indeed bigger than the human race, for the isolated and often solitary role of an illustrator that is a great relief to know those feelings are shared!”
Source: CoExistence
Limited edition prints and memorabilia displaying Butler's illustrations are also available for sale. If you’d like to support the campaign further, visit CoExistence’s website to learn how you can donate, volunteer, or purchase an elephant sculpture for yourself.
Source: CoExistence
Source: CoExistence
Source: CoExistence
Source: CoExistence
Source: CoExistence
Source: CoExistence
H/T:
My Modern Met