Chicago: Faces of the Wild
Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 6051
Past Exhibition (April 1st - July 31st, 2022)
New York City’s Ruth Wittenberg Triangle
Standing at 1.8m tall are the faces of 9 of the most endangered animals in the world. Created by internationally renowned public artists Gillie and Marc and based on the many photographs and sketches they have taken of wildlife over the past 15 years, this monumental exhibition is giving the public a unique experience to look deep into the eyes of these threatened animals in an intimate exchange, coming face to face with extinction.
The 9 animals include the northern white rhino, chimpanzee, addax, western lowland gorilla, polar bear, red wolf, African forest elephant, hippopotamus, and the lion. These animals come from all over the world, from the African savannahs to the rainforests of Indonesia. They are all beautiful, instantly recognisable, yet in desperate need of help.
In a fusion of conservation and contemporary art, the public is given an urgent message.
This public sculpture experience is letting the public see these animals up close and personal, becoming aware of how endangered they really are. Because the public doesn’t see these animals in their day to day life, they may not realise how much they are at risk. This exhibition is changing this. The animals have been brought to the urban jungle, into the lives of the public in a brand new way. And once they can see them in this light, a part of their own home, then a bond can be formed.
As the public goes to each individual sculpture they will be able to do what no one has ever been able to do before. They will be able to look deep into the eyes of the most endangered animals in the world, seeing in exquisite detail the lines and shapes of these unique creatures. And even better, they will be able to touch their heads with their own, a moment of deep reverence and love that will stay with them forever. Once they have made this connection they will never be able to look away again. They will become the new saviours of animals.
To make this sculpture have even more of a lasting impact it is also educational and interactive. Along with each individual animal comes a QR code. The QR codes will enable the public to learn all about the animals. They will also discover important information about conservation, sparking enthusiasm and generating awareness about the important work needed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the public to get up close and personal with the faces of these animals and fall in love.
Conservation must become the most important issue in everybody’s mind if we are to change the path to save the wild world.
