Lesley Burr

Changing Ideas Award
The painting "Solitary Elephant" is an image of a young solitary animal, normally part of a herd. The elephant is on its own amidst a depleted rainforest under a stormy rainy sky. Each element of the landscape - trees, sky, elephant, river are under threat from climate change and economic pressure to be productive. The captivating reality of seeing elephants in life is different to what one imagines – the deepest affection for a rare living creature and the enchantment of vocal and behavioural interactions. There is a contrast with the stark understanding of the environment that is suited for the animal’s wellbeing. The animals are costly to feed, to look after and can be exploited, used for tourism as income generators, and often kept on small reserves with hidden harsh treatment. Struck by the intelligence and emotional connection of the elephants for each other it is extremely sad and distressing to see an animal separated from its family. There is no where else for the elephants to go as the rainforest habitat is disappearing fast and the animals are reliant on the goodwill of their keepers and circumstances. It is not so different to the experience of displacement affecting so many people worldwide, where a lack of safety, resources, and turmoil, to the losses of a home or place of belonging. The painting is exploring themes of global change and loss as the climate changes and to question how to relate to world issues with humanity.