'Devil's Advocate'

 Art Statement

The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial of the family Dasyuridae. It is endemic to Tasmania, however it has been recently introduced to NSW with a small breeding population in an effort to preserve the species. The Devil is classified as endangered with populations across most of the state declining 80% since 1996 mostly due to a contagious fascial tumour disease (DFTD). Other serious threats have been habitat destruction, roadkill and climate change. Sadly, as this is the Devils' last stand, I have chosen to show this female Devil standing on the top of a felled tree in a cleared forest. The dramatic root system of the tree creates an infinity shape through which you can see the apocalyptic-style destruction of the forest. The reference material used for the Devil is from a real-life animal in captivity at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary photographed by my photographer friend, Joy Kachina. The black & white bleak drama of the charcoal landscape is punctuated by the colour pencil features of the Devil, drawing attention to the urgency of saving this living species before it's too late.

- Fiona Francois -

 

Devil's Advocate progress photos