The Last Stand (2012 – ongoing)

Installation with canvas, paper and neon

Size Variable

The devastation of our woodlands and wildlife is shaped by our need to satisfy ourselves with things - items, travel, food and energy. We are witnessing the anthropocentric impact on every sphere of nature. I started working on the project of deforestation entitled ‘The Last Stand’ in 2012. The title refers to the ultimate stand of trees, representing both devastation and renovatio (the latin for rebirth). The inspiration of the project came from the ravaged woodlands of the globe. To carry the weight of my message, I involve heavy materials like oil, emulsion, acrylic, shellac, wire, plaster powder, artificial hair, wood, burnt fabric and neon tubes.

 ‘‘A hot wind, flying wood and of all the lost joy. I walk into the unescapable prison of injured woodland, no great healer comes. Green loss upon dark lost. Here only unreal reality, unknown saint, unnatural breeze that they are in devil’s ledger. But I believed that the green standing wood would young again beyond dark and chosen fate. That day will be filled with tender stars….’’ - Kaung Su