Original “The Threat”
“The Threat” is an exploration of duality—how the very act of expressing power and dominance can also reveal vulnerability. Hippos, in their instinctual display of strength, open their mouths wide to intimidate with their tusks. Yet ironically, these tusks, symbols of their might, make them targets in the ivory trade, a human-driven threat that has decimated their populations. This paradox of strength and fragility inspired this piece.
Drawn with Polychromos pencils on Pastelmat paper, the medium allowed me to capture the textures and contrasts of the hippo’s form—its rough, armored skin juxtaposed with the delicate shine of its tusks. Through this work, I hope to prompt reflection on how humanity’s perception of value can endanger the natural world and how what is displayed as strength can also become a tragic weakness.
27”x24” mounted
Polychromos pencils on pastelmat
“The Threat” is an exploration of duality—how the very act of expressing power and dominance can also reveal vulnerability. Hippos, in their instinctual display of strength, open their mouths wide to intimidate with their tusks. Yet ironically, these tusks, symbols of their might, make them targets in the ivory trade, a human-driven threat that has decimated their populations. This paradox of strength and fragility inspired this piece.
Drawn with Polychromos pencils on Pastelmat paper, the medium allowed me to capture the textures and contrasts of the hippo’s form—its rough, armored skin juxtaposed with the delicate shine of its tusks. Through this work, I hope to prompt reflection on how humanity’s perception of value can endanger the natural world and how what is displayed as strength can also become a tragic weakness.
27”x24” mounted
Polychromos pencils on pastelmat
“The Threat” is an exploration of duality—how the very act of expressing power and dominance can also reveal vulnerability. Hippos, in their instinctual display of strength, open their mouths wide to intimidate with their tusks. Yet ironically, these tusks, symbols of their might, make them targets in the ivory trade, a human-driven threat that has decimated their populations. This paradox of strength and fragility inspired this piece.
Drawn with Polychromos pencils on Pastelmat paper, the medium allowed me to capture the textures and contrasts of the hippo’s form—its rough, armored skin juxtaposed with the delicate shine of its tusks. Through this work, I hope to prompt reflection on how humanity’s perception of value can endanger the natural world and how what is displayed as strength can also become a tragic weakness.
27”x24” mounted
Polychromos pencils on pastelmat
