There are many paths to learning, and a great many more teachers waiting for us along the way. When artists teach, their work inspires. Gillie and Marc are masters of inspiration. I have literally stumbled upon their work three times now in NYC, and left in awe each time.
A quote from David Attenborough on their website:
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”
The Last Three
Walking through Astor Place in 2018, I saw a sculpture of three rhinos stacked on top of each other – two back-to-back, and two hoof-to-hoof. It was playfully impossible and drew attention to an extremely serious topic.
These were Northern White Rhinos, and they represented the last three in existence – one male, and two females (mother and daughter). Later that year, the male died. And now there are two.
I lived in South Africa for over three years and have been fortunate to know a few people involved with wildlife conservation. The memory of seeing photos of dead rhinos with their horns removed and dead elephants with their tusks removed still fills me with revulsion.
It’s easy to isolate one or two ravaged animals and be blind to the cumulative effect of the many. This piece of art spoke to that cumulative effect – extinction. The language it used was whimsy.
It allowed us to experience these animals in a way that was enticing and fun. Once it had us, we would be intrigued to learn the heartbreaking message behind it. It engaged us, and an engaged spectator will want to do something to be of help.
The Giant Tandem Bike
Last year, on my way to the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center complex, I discovered Gillie and Marc’s animals sitting in pairs, playing games and reading books. They were, of course, delightful.
The last piece was “The Giant Tandem Bike” – and giant it was. On the bike was an array of African animals. A rhino, giraffe, zebra, gorilla, hippo, elephant were all having an absolutely terrific time together.
Whimsical, yes. And the best part? An empty spot in the middle for anyone to climb on and join the animals. With that, the experience became personal. You cannot bike with this bunch and not want to ensure their safety.
The Wild Couch Party
Last week, I found another installation of Gillie and Marc’s animals in a quiet corner of the Financial District. Animals were grouped together, drinking from their mugs, eating slices of cake, and having a joyous (albeit silent) conversation. We are invited to join them on the couch.
The installation information tells us,
Taking a seat on the couch and joining the party is a simple act designed to encourage the public to become part of the journey with endangered animals.
Wildlife conservation is no longer hidden in the outskirts of human society, it is right here in the urban jungle.
The invitation to sit on the couch invites us to join their conversation – and how wonderful is that?! Once you join them, you cannot resist helping them. You are inspired to protect them. Whimsy has done its work in the most joyous way.
A Reflection
The lesson learned from these delightful animals is that deadly serious topics can be beautifully addressed with a light touch. We can lecture about the threat of extinction, or we can be drawn into a magical world that we immediately want to protect. We can spread fear, or we can offer the experience of joy - both will prompt action, but only one will open hearts.
More information about Gillie and Marc can be found here.
Cathy, Your conclusion is powerful! I've never consideres whimsy as a way to discuss endangered species, but you're so right! I feel sad for the two remaining rhinos.
I love seeing the city - and life! - through your eyes. What wonderful works of art - appealing to the child in all of us.