Art as Activism
Visuals and Victuals — Paintings by Loetitia S. Lilot
Hasta La Vista, Rainforest | 1994 | 16" x 13" | oils on board
Rainforests are being burnt to clear land for grazing cattle (meat herds) to be turned into hamburgers for profits of fast food corporations. Rainforest land does not stand up well to cattle grazing, thus the process must be repeated to clear more land. Only a few profit from this misuse of land; ultimately, all must suffer as the land is depleted of it's natural resources, thousands of medicinal plants wiped out, as well as many animal and insect species. Air pollution from the burning fire and smoke increases carbon monoxide emissions, and less oxygen is generated due to reduced foliage. The fleeting profits are represented by the flying money images, and the forest fire represents the hellish condition this situation has escalated into.