Road Kill

Urbanizations Impact on the Circle of life

KC

Kayla Castro, Road Kill (July 12, 2024)

This art piece is meant to embody the negative aspects of urbanization, highlighting its impacts on other living organisms, and the harmful consequences that arise from it-consequences which we must claim responsibility for. While urbanization has undeniably elevated human life and shaped the modern society we live in (technological and evolutionary advancements), it also comes with a cost. The relentless expansion of cities and infrastructure takes from natural habitats, displacing countless species and disrupting ecosystems. This piece allows us to confront the often overlooked and undervalued consequences of our progress. Through evocative imagery and thought-provoking symbolism, it serves as a reminder of the ecological sacrifices made in the name of development.  

Jan Weeniz, “Still Life With Dead Rabbit and Birds”, 1681

Bobby Neel Adams, “Cat Beetle” (Memento Mori Series), 2016

The additional pieces I have selected share a thematic resonance that illustrates deeper reflections on life and value. Jan Weeniz's still life artworks show our societal need to uphold a sense of aristocracy, with her portrayal of the hunted rabbit revealing how we construct a chain of value beyond material worth. Similarly, Bobby Neel Adams' "Memento Mori" series highlights the profound significance of death, capturing the process and emotions often suppressed yet readily inflicted upon others. Both artists prompt us to confront and balance our advancements with a heightened sense of responsibility towards the world we inhabit. This introspection should extend to how we perceive and value life, ensuring that our actions reflect a conscientious respect for the living beings we share our environment with.