CLAIRE MILNER British, b. 1966
Gardeners of Eden, 2023
Acrylic on box canvas
100 x 200 cm
Signed and dated verso
Titled after the documentary film of the same name, the principle painting in this collection appears benign, even joyful yet posits an unfolding ecological disaster with potentially far-reaching consequences. Not...
Titled after the documentary film of the same name, the principle painting in this collection appears benign, even joyful yet posits an unfolding ecological disaster with potentially far-reaching consequences. Not least of which is the loss of additional creatures such as zebras and impalas, dependant for their survival on the habitat-clearing work of elephants who are known as “The Gardeners of Eden”. Elephants are a subject the artist returns to repeatedly. These ‘Delicate and Mighty’ creatures live in matriarchal societies relying on the wisdom of their elder stateswomen who are at the hub of complex social networks. Additionally, the idea that groups led by older matriarchs might have a survival advantage is supported by a study of elephants in Tangarire National Park in Tanzania.