05/06- 31/07/2025 at Abbey Wood Library, Eynsham Dr, Abbey Wood, London SE2 9PT
Future Flora, Forgotten Fauna(2025) is a group of paintings and drawings that draw from different aspects of the natural world and explore the anthropogenic(human made) impact that shaped it. From resilient plants persevering in the urban landscape and those being cultivated, to species under threat, these works highlight my love of nature and the wish to preserve, cherish and nurture it. Though the pieces may initially appear diverse, they echo the fragmented state of our environment—an imbalance where, in striving to improve life for ourselves, we’ve overlooked the lives we share it with.
GiraffeOwl, an imaginary owl with the pattern of a giraffe, at home soaring over the cities. In the future if there is fewer natural habitats, would animals evolve to be brightly coloured to better fit in to the urban landscape, where colours and patterns would be incorporated more, to make up for the lack of plant life?
Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella), is a slender animal able to reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80kmh). Its habitat is limited to only a few area in Israel with smaller populations in Türkiye. Due to habitat destruction for the benefit of human developments and roads in addition to illegal hunting, it is currently listed as Endangered.
Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), listed as critically endangered, is a timid and highly elusive species of bovid native to the Annamite Range in Vietnam and Laos. First discovered in 1992 little is known about this animal as any captured individuals have passed away, possibly from stress, in weeks to months. There are concerns that the species may already be extinct having last been caught on movement triggered camera in 2013.
Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna), is a small species no larger than 35 cm excluding the tail and is native from southeastern Europe to northern China. It is able to delay the development of the embryo to ensure that the young is born during optimal conditions. Currently under threat due to habitat loss as arid steppe habitats are converted into farmland.
Bongo Antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci), is a mostly nocturnal and hunted by humans for their horns and their meat, it is found only in a few mountain regions of central Kenya, classified as critically endangered. It is the only species in its genus where both male and females have horns and amongst the largest forest dwelling antelopes with males weighing up to 405 kg.
Dhole (Cuon alpinus), is a highly social, wild dog with an almost fluid hierarchy, they are able to make a whistling sound to communicate during hunting. Native to South, East and Southeast Asia it is listed as endangered, with factors such as habitat loss, persecution due to livestock predation, and disease transfer from domestic dogs being among the reason for its decline.
Crimson Waxcap (Hygrocybe punicea) is a species of mushroom which is widespread but generally rare throughout Europe. It occurs mainly in agriculturally unimproved grassland, a declining habitat due to changing agricultural practices. The threats to its habitat have resulted in the species being assessed as globally endangered.
Butterfly bush (Buddleja) is a non native species to all of Europe, which is now found in most places from gardens to building sites in the UK, due to its introduction during the 20th century and prolific spread.
Common Ivy (Hedera helix), is a common sight in the UK and across most of Europe, occurring naturally in the wild, climbing up the trunks of trees, but also as escaped plants which have naturalised outside of its native range.
Viola (Viola tricolor), Native to Europe and found in most places thanks to its ability to survive in a range of different conditions. It is a popular plant for its striking colours of purple and yellow, commonly used in flowerbeds. Lesser known is that it has various medicinal properties with different parts of the plant being anti-inflammatory and an immunosuppressant, as well as antimicrobial and anti-viral to mention only a few.
Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), native to the Iberian Peninsula and introduced in the UK in the 17th century. It is a popular garden plant and after its introduction has hybridised with the local common bluebell, resulting in a invasive hybrid outcompeting the native species which is now threatened.
