Ever since the dawn of mankind, man’s obsessive pursuit of new technology and industrialization has led to the exploitation of our planet, and the demise of its creatures. Indeed, the rapid rise of civilizations and modern society has simultaneously led to the unforgiving destruction of nature.

 

Yet, how can one begin to make sense of man’s turbulent relationship with his natural surroundings? In answering this question, FOCUS features five artists whose works explore the mystery, beauty, and omnipotence of nature and its creatures. As protestors against mankind’s disregard for the destruction of our natural habitat, their works seek to illustrate the idea that ultimately, nature is a force that cannot be harnessed.

​

The works of Kang Hyunkyung present a nature never seen before — evoking its indisputable power. Throughout her series, “Gazing”, her paintings feature rich, dark green backgrounds that spotlight animals such as foxes, lions, and cheetahs. The ominous stares of the subject at the viewer almost convey a tinge of sadness, which allude to the detrimental damage of human civilization on the habitat of wild creatures. Other paintings within the same series evoke the innocence of nature by featuring the parental love of the animal subjects. Japanese artist Ryuichi Tomiyama achieves a similar effect with her painting, “Lion” (2019). The artwork depicts a lion staring upwards — as if mesmerized by the colorful brushstrokes that the artist applied to the sky above. The painting, amplifying the solitude of the lion seems to emphasize its vulnerability in a world where humans are lurking predators.