Wildlife on the Edge

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION - WILDLIFE ON THE EDGE

Gillie and Marc are renowned contemporary artists known for their public sculptures that spark conversations and raise awareness about critical social issues. Their new public sculpture exhibition called ‘Wildlife on the Edge’ is an extraordinary collection of bronze sculptures that depict ten endangered species, each perched atop oversized everyday objects. This exhibition is not only an artistic masterpiece but also a powerful reminder of the growing threat to our planet’s endangered wildlife. Through these monuments, the artists aim to communicate the message that mankind is causing habitat loss and only we can save the planet and its wildlife.

‘Wildlife on the Edge’ is a breathtakingly beautiful and evocative collection of sculptures that showcases various endangered animals.  Among them are the African elephant, the orangutang, the gorilla, the lion, the polar bear, the giant panda, and the Masai giraffe. The sculptures are strategically placed in public spaces, parks, and streets where they can be easily accessed and admired by the public. This strategic placement is of great symbolic significance, as it indicates that wildlife is not confined to distant wildernesses but is, in fact, an integral part of our daily urban lives.The artists have carefully selected oversized objects where the animals are positioned precariously to showcase the shrinking habitats or habitat loss caused by human activities. The choices of oversized objects are relevant and eye-catching and add another dimension to the enduring message being portrayed.

These sculptures speak to the urgency of taking immediate action to counteract the growing threat to our planet’s endangered wildlife's declining populations. With the passage of time, habitat loss has become an increasingly looming threat to our planet’s endangered animals caused by urbanization, deforestation, and climate change. Through these massive bronze sculptures, the public can see each species' plight and learn the importance of promoting conservation efforts and increasing awareness of the pressing issue. The situation is urgent, the artists believe, but in their view, it is not too late to make a difference.
What makes the ‘Wildlife on the Edge’ exhibition unique is its interactive and experiential aspect. Visitors are encouraged to touch, sit, and even climb on the sculptures, which breaks down the traditional barrier between art and audience. This approach not only enriches the visitor experience, but it also provides a forum for conversations about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. By stimulating engagement and interaction, the sculptures become a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about the plight of wildlife on the edge. The sculptures serve as a reflection of the vulnerability of the natural world while providing a powerful call to action to safeguard it.

Recently said by arts forum: "The combination of humour and directness, I think, is what makes Gillie and Marc's art supply such a strong connection to people from different walks of life." The exhibition’s placement, compositions, comedic elements, and urgency in its message have created an incredible impact on the public, inspiring them to support and contribute towards conservation.

In conclusion, ‘Wildlife on the Edge’ is a magnificent exhibition that leverages art's power to create awareness and inspire change. By placing endangered wildlife onto oversized everyday objects, the public is forced to contemplate the very real problem of habitat loss and the devastating effects on wildlife that human activities are causing and highlights the fragile state of the world's endangered species. Gillie and Marc’s art beckons us all to take action to preserve and restore our planet’s wildlife and serve as a striking reminder that mankind has the power to save our planet from its greatest threat. This project is a standout in both scale and message, and its unveiling serves as a landmark reminder of the essential role art can play in creating a more sustainable world.

ABOUT GILLIE AND MARC
Gillie and Marc are public artists who have worked side-by-side for over 27 years to create art as one. The husband-and-wife duo are passionate eco-warriors, with a deep respect for the close spiritual bond between humans and animals. They are best known for their beloved characters - Rabbitwoman and Dogman. 

Before Gillie and Marc met, Africa was their first love. Gillie grew up in Zambia. When she was nine, an elephant was tragically shot before her eyes. From then on, she knew she would dedicate her life to protecting the world’s creatures. Meanwhile, in his twenties, Marc spent time in Tanzania with Jane Goodall learning about chimpanzees. Protecting wildlife became a cause extremely close to his heart.

In 2017, Gillie and Marc travelled to Kenya to study the planet's most endangered animal, the Northern White Rhino. They spent their time at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy where the remaining three rhinos lived. They spent a week studying and falling in love with the magnificent animals. Entranced by the gentle giants, Gillie and Marc knew they had to do everything they could to help them. But they also knew that many other animals were in trouble. They, therefore, dedicated their lives to saving all wildlife. Since then, they have made thousands of wildlife sculptures, including the tallest rhino sculpture in the world, The Last Three exhibited in NYC, to spread awareness and save all animals from extinction.

Gillie and Marc’s public artworks can be found spreading the messages of love and conservation around the world. Gillie and Marc have dedicated their lives to art and animal conservation and ask you to join them on their journey to MAKING ART FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. 

www.gillieandmarc.com

SCULPTURES


Title
Wildlife warriors on the edge

Description
Dogman and Rabbitwoman, two wildlife warriors, sit perched atop a giant banana, surveying their surroundings. The dynamic duo is renowned for their bravery and tenacity in protecting the natural world and all its creatures. Dogman, with his sharp senses and fierce loyalty, is a formidable protector, while Rabbitwoman's nimble movements and keen intuition make her an invaluable ally. As they sit together on the banana, they plot their next move in their quest to defend the fragile ecosystem they call home. Despite their different species, Dogman and Rabbitwoman share a bond forged by their passion for conservation and their unwavering dedication to the cause.

 

Title
Cheetahs on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a captivating and thought-provoking piece that combines an oversized phone with several cheetahs standing on top of it. The sculpture is a powerful commentary on the urgent need to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of stopping and taking notice of the world around us.

The interactive nature of the artwork encourages people to engage with the sculpture, climb up onto the phone and stand amongst the cheetahs, making a connection with the endangered species and gaining a deeper appreciation of their plight. The juxtaposition of the phone, which is typically a symbol of distraction and disconnection, with the endangered cheetahs, serves to emphasise the importance of focusing our attention on the world around us and taking action to protect it.

This public sculpture is sure to capture the attention of passersby and inspire conversations about the importance of conservation and environmentalism. 


Title
Elephants on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a stunning work of art that combines oversized lemons with a mama elephant and her baby sitting on top of it. The sculpture is a powerful commentary on the need to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of stopping to appreciate the beauty of nature.

The interactive nature of the artwork invites people to engage with the sculpture, to climb up onto the lemons and to sit alongside the mama and baby elephant, allowing them to form a deeper connection with these magnificent animals. The use of the oversized lemons is a clever way to draw attention to the sculpture, and their bright color serves to highlight the beauty of the elephants and the importance of conservation. The juxtaposition of the lemons and the elephants creates an unexpected and thought-provoking image that is sure to capture the attention of passersby and inspire conversations about the importance of protecting endangered species. This public sculpture is a stunning addition to any public space and serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world.

 

Title
Giraffes on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a stunning and thought provoking work of art that combines an oversized basketball with a baby giraffe sitting atop it, while the mother giraffe reaches down to touch her baby’s nose. The sculpture is a poignant commentary on the urgent need to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of taking action to protect them.

The interactive nature of the artwork invites people to engage with the sculpture, to climb up onto the ball and to interact with the giraffes, creating a deeper connection with these magnificent animals. The use of the oversized basketball is a clever way to draw attention to the sculpture and creates an unexpected juxtaposition with the gentle and graceful giraffes. The mother giraffe’s loving gesture towards her baby serves to underscore the importance of nurturing and protecting endangered species. This public sculpture is a beautiful and impactful addition to any public space and is sure to inspire conversations about the importance of conservation and environmentalism.


Title
Gorillas on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a playful and whimsical work of art that features an oversized rubber ducky with a mother gorilla and her two babies perched atop it. The sculpture is a powerful commentary on the importance of raising awareness about endangered species and the need to protect and preserve our wildlife.

The interactive nature of the artwork invites people to engage with the sculpture, to climb up onto the rubber ducky and to interact with the gorillas, creating a deeper connection with these amazing animals. The playful and carefree nature of the gorillas on top of the rubber ducky serves to underscore the importance of enjoying and appreciating the natural world, and the need to take action to protect it. The use of the rubber ducky as a symbol of protection for wildlife is a clever and innovative way to draw attention to the sculpture and highlight the importance of conservation efforts.

This public sculpture is a beautiful and impactful addition to any public space and is sure to inspire conversations about the importance of protecting endangered species and preserving the natural world for future generations.


Title
Hippos on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a playful and captivating work of art that features oversized cups of tea or coffee with an endangered hippo family perched atop them. The sculpture is a powerful commentary on the need to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of taking action to protect them. The interactive nature of the artwork invites people to engage with the sculpture, to climb up onto the cups and to interact with the hippo family, creating a deeper connection with these magnificent animals.

The cups, as a symbol of comfort and warmth, represents the idea of a shared and nurturing space, where humans and animals coexist in harmony. The use of this symbol creates an unexpected and thoughtprovoking image that highlights the importance of conservation efforts and reminds us of the fragility of our natural world. This public sculpture is a beautiful and impactful addition to any public space and is sure to inspire conversations about the importance of protecting endangered species and preserving the natural world for future generations.

 

Title
Lions on the edge

Description
The public sculpture is a visually striking piece that consists of an oversized camera with an endangered lion family playfully perched on top. The sculpture is designed to captivate the attention of passersby and encourage them to take notice of the endangered species and the importance of protecting them.

The oversized cameras represent the idea of capturing the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Just as a camera captures a moment in time, this sculpture captures the essence of the endangered lion family and draws attention to their plight.

The interactive nature of the artwork allows viewers to engage with the sculpture and encourages them to reflect on the need to protect wildlife. The playful nature of the lion family creates a sense of joy and wonder, which in turn invites people to engage with the artwork and consider the message it conveys.


 

Title
Orangutans on the edge

Description
The public sculpture is a playful and interactive artwork that features an oversized Jenga set about to topple over, with two orang-utans playfully perched on top. The sculpture serves as a poignant commentary on the importance of protecting endangered species and draws attention to the need for action to be taken to ensure their survival.

The toppling Jenga sets represent the fragility of the natural world and the delicate balance that exists between humans and the environment. The Jenga blocks, which are typically associated with fun and games, take on a new significance in this artwork, representing the complex interconnections between different elements of the ecosystem and the need for careful management and conservation efforts.

The orangutans perched on top of the Jenga blocks serve as a reminder of the threat faced by many endangered species as their habitats are destroyed and the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disrupted. The playful nature of the orang-utans creates a sense of joy and wonder, which in turn encourages viewers to engage with the artwork and consider the message it conveys.


 

Title
Pandas on the edge

Description
This public sculpture is a delightful and playful piece that features a mother panda and her three adorable cubs sitting around a large, classic alarm clock. The sculpture serves as a charming reminder of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

The interactive nature of the artwork encourages viewers to engage with the sculpture and observe the playful cubs climbing over the clock, while the mother panda watches over them protectively. This provides a deeper appreciation for the wonder and innocence of the natural world.

The juxtaposition of the playful cubs with the classic alarm clock emphasizes the importance of cherishing each moment and being present in the present. By creating such a captivating piece, the sculpture sparks conversations about the beauty and fragility of life, and the importance of savoring every moment.

This public artwork is sure to capture the hearts of all who pass by, inspiring feelings of joy, wonder, and a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around us.


 

Title
Polar bears on the edge

Description
The public artwork is a striking and thought-provoking sculpture that features a papa polar bear and his baby licking an oversized melting ice-cream cone. The sculpture serves as a powerful commentary on the urgent need to protect endangered species and the impact of human actions on the natural world.

The oversized melting ice-cream cone at the center of the sculpture represents the melting of the polar ice caps and the impact of climate change on the environment. The polar bear and his baby licking the ice-cream cone create a sense of empathy and connection, encouraging viewers to consider the impact of their actions on the natural world and the need for urgent action to protect endangered species.

The presence of the polar bears in the artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the threat faced by many species as their habitats are destroyed and their populations decline. The connection between the polar bears and the melting ice-cream cone creates a sense of urgency and encourages viewers to take action to protect these beloved animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.


 

Title
Rhinos on the edge

Description 
This public sculpture is a stunning and thought-provoking piece that features a mother rhinoceros and her calf standing atop giant pears. The sculpture serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need to protect endangered species and the natural world.

The sculpture's interactive design encourages viewers to engage with the artwork and connect with the mother rhino and her calf. Climbing up onto the pears allows people to stand amidst the powerful and majestic animals, providing a deeper appreciation for their beauty and vulnerability.

The striking contrast of the towering pears and the sturdy rhinoceroses highlights the importance of recognizing our impact on the environment and taking action to preserve it. By creating such a captivating piece, the sculpture sparks conversations about conservation and the need for environmentalism.

This public artwork is sure to captivate the attention of all who pass by, provoking thoughtful discussions about the urgent need to protect endangered species and the planet we share.