Photograph by Vanessa Allen
"Arteria" by Handiedan (Netherlands) highlights beluga whales classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The ocean is the bloodstream of mother earth. The Artery leads the blood from the heart into the body. In the center of this artwork, you find the Red Coral that literally symbolizes the artery. The red coral carries the blue goddess; Mother Earth. Mother Earth grows from the golden ratio. In this piece, the golden ratio is represented by the ancient Nautilus.
In the harmonious ocean stream, the dolphins flow around the face of Mother Earth. Connecting and communicating with energy.
The dolphin represents the spirit and the unconsciousness. The Beluga Whale, or also called white dolphin or white whale, represents one of the higher spirits.
Everything on Earth is connected and harmoniously in balance. That these species are threatened with extinction can be seen as a powerful sign and warning. The balance is very vulnerable."
The art of Dutch artist Handiedan involves a complex cut and paste mixture of digital and highly detailed sculptural hand cut collages, complimented by conscientiously collected antique ornamental frames.
Handiedan’s accomplished and refined collage technique allows her for an artistic journey through past, present, and future. The result is an almost kaleidoscopical visual exploration whose discoveries are sometimes immediately visible and sometimes hidden in plain sight.