"Earthlings", Nina Wald, 2024

A painting in the style of abstractionism, created sustainably using materials sourced from second-hand stores. This artwork is more than a canvas — it’s a powerful visual manifesto, a protest against human egocentrism and mindless consumption. Each stroke and texture tells a story of reimagining, revival, and respect for the world we share with other beings.

Why “Earthlings”? Earthlings — that’s us, humans who have claimed the title of the planet’s dominant inhabitants. The word carries a bitter irony: in proclaiming ourselves masters, we suppress other dwellers of Earth — animals, plants, entire ecosystems. We build cities, clear forests, and pollute oceans, blind to the illusion of our supremacy. Earth is not our possession but a shared home, where every organism, from the tiniest insect to the mightiest tree, plays an irreplaceable role in nature’s fragile harmony.

The abstractionism of the painting captures humanity’s inner conflict: chaotic lines, contrasting colors, and dissonant forms reflect our destructive progress, greed, and blindness. Yet, the choice of materials—repurposed fabrics, reclaimed wood scraps, and forgotten paints found in second-hand stores—speaks of hope. These materials, given new life, symbolize the potential for change. This is art that doesn’t take from nature but breathes new purpose into what already exists.

On the back of the canvas, when held to the light, the silhouette of a fruit tree emerges—the original layer of the artwork, its heart. This tree symbolizes life, fertility, and humanity’s deep-rooted connection to nature, so often ignored. It serves as a reminder that beneath the layers of our egoism and ambition lies the primal beauty and wisdom of Earth, which we are duty-bound to preserve.

“Earthlings” is a mirror reflecting our pride and our vulnerability. The painting urges us to pause, rethink our place in the world, and learn to value every inhabitant of this planet—from the smallest ant to the oldest forest. The use of second-hand materials and the image of the fruit tree underscore the idea of sustainability and cyclical renewal: we can create without destroying, live without oppressing. Earthlings must become not masters, but guardians, who respect and protect the delicate balance of our planet.

📏 Dimensions: 23.5” W x 31.5” H, stretcher bar width 1.5”

*The price includes all additional costs — taxes, shipping, and framing — so you can simply enjoy the art.

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