2/23/14

The Flight Of The Rhino









Lullaby Of The Rhino. Pen and ink on 14"x17" Paris paper.
Series: The Plight of the Rhino, Number 1


First in a series "The Flight Of The Rhino" - A personal project of pen and ink drawings depicting the plight of the rhino from poaching fueled by the insatiable and selfish demands of Chinese Traditional Medicine. Chinese Traditional Medicine is not medicine but mass murder, destruction and extinction of magnificent wild beasts of Africa and elsewhere around the world (pangolin, elk, shark, bear, lion, etc.). Chinese Traditional Medicine is not confined in China but spread throughout the world; Vietnam, The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Europe, Australia, U.S.A and wherever there are ignorant human beings desperate for relief of their personal misery without regard for the environment and fate of species. Rhinos are killed by poachers for their horns, believed to be a miracle cure-all. Rhino horn is not medicine, it is made of keratin, the same material found in human toenails. Please share.

Please read Jane Goodall's report on China's pillaging of Africa's natural resources without regard for the environment: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2562001/China-pillaging-Africa-raw-materials-like-old-colonialists-says-chimp-expert-Jane-Goodall.html





10 comments:

Manon said...

This is so sad that this is happening. Many qudos to you for doing such amazing work to make people aware that this is happening, xoxo

Ces Adorio said...

Thank you, Manon. This series is both maddening and disheartening for me. I have been reading about the extinction of rhinos since I first saw an image of a black rhino emerging from the rocky bath in Africa. To me, the rhino is both mysterious and magnificent. As I started reading about it, I discovered the horrible fate it is facing from poachers and subscribers of Chinese Traditional Medicine.

Rick Forrestal said...

Wow, what a powerful illustration.
One for such a great cause.

k.h.whitaker said...

:( so very sad

Bella Sinclair said...

Striking, the elegant and beautifully robed woman on top of horror and destruction. Care not who you step on and squash on your climb to the top. Very powerful, I completely agree. I wish the world will see your series.

I will stop chewing my toenails.

Bimbimbie said...

I can't help thinking that it's the same old cyclical story of supply and demand. The affluent have always made the demands and sadly there are still those willing at all levels to turn a blind eye to have those demands met.

It's always the natural world that pays the ultimate price for greed, vanity, by the un-natural.

I recently heard that many Vietnamese believe that horns and tusks simply grow back, and that it's their newly affluent who are driving the market and the increased killings :(


(word verif: consequence)

Ces Adorio said...

It is indeed the demand that drives these poachers to continue killing the animals, not just in Africa but India for the Indian rhinoceros and in Indonesia for the Sumatran and Javan rhinos. In 2010, the last Javan rhino was killed by a poacher. Bimbimbie, you are right about the affluent in China and Vietnam, they are willing to pay as much as 35K for a rhino horn. Some say it makes them feel better, not necessarily because they are ill. Amazing how shallow, selfish and ignorant they can be. They don't care. To them, nature is for consumption. The Africans and poachers eleswhere are poor and willing to risk their lives and freedom to earn money, even if it destroys their country's natural resources. Such a shame. For those who think rhino horns grow back, they should be exposed to the truth.

Amber said...

Beautiful illustration but also really sad especially knowing the inspiration behind it. It is so sad to think about those poor rhinos. But I am glad that you are teaching me and others about this issue.

Mauricio Abril said...

This is a great piece aside from the social statement. The graphic shapes of the rhino are quite interesting. You know, I've always believed the best form or protest is the financial one. Would you know how I as an American consumer could use my dollars (or not use my dollars) to influence the use of Rhino horns? Just curious.

Unknown said...

I have such admiration for your artistry, and now I admire what you're doing WITH your artwork. You're making a difference in the world with your talent, skill, and your generous spirit. Thanks for the good example and the inspiration, and for making us aware of what's happening in the world.