Inspired by a video essay on Antonio Ligabue’s legacy and informed by Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael, my painting explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. Ligabue's work, dismissed for its raw depictions of animals and plants, challenged the anthropocentric view of his era—a time when European class divides placed humanity above the natural world. His fascination with the crossover of man and nature resonated deeply with me as I reflected on our species' evolution post-agriculturalism.
Through this piece, I aim to challenge modern detachment from the natural environment. It is not a call to regress into nature’s cycles or reject progress, but rather to celebrate life as part of a greater ecological web. At a time of rapid technological advancement, I hope to inspire recognition of our shared connection with wildlife and the environment that shapes us. This painting is an invitation to reflect on what we have forgotten, and to honor the roots from which we’ve grown.
