Spirited Arts 2021

Iman

Age 13

Tolworth Girls School

Blossoming and Breathing

The title I chose is ‘Blossoming and Breathing’ because in my artwork there is a human heart and instead of lungs there are trees, flowers and other aspects of nature. What I like best about my work is the symbolism of the lungs as plants, which is a necessity to all humans. The lungs absorb oxygen, and the oxygen comes from plants and as a result, we produce carbon dioxide, which plants need. I like the theme I have been working on because it shows how there is an important cycle, which we need to protect.

The picture is all about symbolism, everything outside the heart is dull and grey (the background and the persons hand with the axe) which tells us that without nature we have nothing and our planet will be miserable. I used bright colours on the heart to emphasise the need of nature. The fact that a human is cutting down a human heart shows how not only are we damaging the planet but we are indirectly harming ourselves. The two faded images of a child on a swing and orangutan, represent that the earth is for humans and animals alike. I chose to make them faded as we are gradually taking pieces of our earth away. The hand with the axe is on the child side because it shows humans are responsible.

I hope it makes people notice how we clearly need to put more effort into saving our planet- deforestation is increasing at such a rapid rate, that in 100 years, rainforests could be clearly wiped out. It is quite saddening to think that the next generations will not be able to live in a clean and natural environment.

I have been inspired by many religions, as all religions teach that we should take care of our environment and be grateful for what God gave us. Christianity for example: Jeremiah 2:7 “I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”

In addition, the Quran it says, “Consider the water which you drink. Was it you that brought it down from the rain cloud or We? If We had pleased, we could make it bitter” 56:68- 70

Both these examples are God asking us to protect and be thankful for the blessings we have, because he could take them away. It isn't too late, we can still make a difference if we want to, if we try to.