Rainforest Fire

A partly symbolic portrayal of the destruction of the rainforests, inspired by a visit to Madagascar. Even a strong military or police presence in rural areas is unable to stop the conflagration. This fire is out of control and has burnt a farmer, its tongues stretch to the lemurs in the canopy and a nearby village. This painting is intended to convey a certain bleak reality- saving the forests would starve the rural poor. The diagonal sweep of the flames is emphasised for dramatic effect.