Amanda's current subject;

Acrylic Painting Triptych

The Last Refuge: A Duality of Existence

"The Last Refuge" my next painting, will serve as both a visual narrative and a social commentary on the fragility of our planet juxtaposed against the stark reality of human exploitation. With this artwork, I aim to paint the warring elements of nature's beauty and resilience versus the looming threat posed by greed and disconnection. The canvas should invite viewers to confront their own relationship with the environment and the consequences of inaction.

Outside: Nature’s Cry

In the left half of the painting, the viewer will be met with an evocative portrayal of decay—a landscape once teeming with life reduced to a haunting tableau of desolation. The colour palette will shift from vibrant greens to murky browns and grays, embodying the loss of biodiversity and the stark reality of environmental collapse.

Imagery of dead wildlife—once-magnificent creatures now lifeless—will populate this section, illustrating how human negligence has dire implications for all forms of life. Disturbances in the natural order will be evidenced by extreme weather phenomena: ravaging storms, drought-stricken earth, and floods that disrupt the very fabric of ecosystems. Subtle details, like a distant factory plume snaking into the sky or plastic debris floating aimlessly in a river, serve as foreboding reminders of how industrial interests infiltrate even the purest corners of nature.

To enhance the emotional weight of this side, the faint outlines of what once flourished—lush forests and vibrant meadows—will be woven through the decayed landscape, reminding the audience of what we stand to lose.

Inside: The Elite’s Retreat

In stark contrast, the inside will reveal a meticulously crafted underground bunker complex, reflecting the opulence and detachment of those within. The aesthetics are a mix of luxury and coldness—gold accents juxtaposed against gray concrete walls, showcasing a space meant to protect but which ultimately isolates it's inhabitants from the chaos above.

Narrow observation windows allow glimpses of the deteriorating world outside, where barren trees stretch towards a polluted sky, and desperate figures scavenge through remnants of a consumed environment. The elite are housed in comfort, surrounded by extravagance that blinds them to the reality just beyond their fortified walls.

To reinforce the theme of responsibility, news headlines featuring slogans like “Drill Baby Drill” will adorn the walls, overlapping dynamic images of oil rigs and industrial machinery, capturing the relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of the Earth. The paradox lies evident: while they secure themselves from the aftermath of their actions, the external world crumbles beneath the weight of their decisions.

Symbolism and Impact:

Throughout "The Last Refuge," various symbolic elements weave the narrative together. The bunkers stand as potent representations of isolation and egoism, manifesting the disconnect between wealth and its consequences on society and the environment. Nature, resilient yet perilous, embodies the struggle and the urgent need for protection and stewardship.

Quotes will serve as haunting echoes of humanity's choices, and images on newspapers caught in the wind will silently plead for action. This painting will ultimately endeavours to provoke thought and ignite conversations about our individual and collective futures. It warns us of the impending consequences of a path governed by greed, urging each observer to reflect on their role in shaping a more sustainable existence.

In crafting this piece my hope is to evoke empathy, raise awareness, and inspire change, encouraging viewers to recognize that the fate of our planet rests not only in the hands of the elite but in the collective decisions of all humanity.