Levi DeMatteo

My concentration aims to explore mankind’s destructive relationship with nature. Each piece evaluates a specific relationship dynamic between humanity and the natural world. These typically harmful dynamics are investigated by the collections of intentionally and carefully chosen imagery in each piece. Some of the themes I explore include oceanic pollution, mass extinction, over consumption of resources, deforestation, and overpopulation. I wanted my art to highlight the devastating effects that these selfish activities have on not only plant and animal life, but on our own species as well. Beyond that, I wanted to examine the reason these practices take place.

I believe that humanity operates under a predatory superiority complex that makes us feel obligated to transcend our position in the world as animals and become Gods by controlling nature. Biologically, humans still belong to the animal kingdom. However, in a larger sense, we don’t at all. One of the main characteristics of every other life form on Earth is that they’re at the mercy of nature. Plants succumb to blights, animal populations dwindle during the winter, and occasional natural disasters have the potential to cause extinctions. For billions of years, that system has kept the world in balance. Humans, however, have evolved to a point where we no longer obey the laws of nature. We build shelters to keep us safe from natural disasters. We create cures for diseases that would otherwise stabilize our population and keep evolutionary principles in check. We genetically engineer food to grow in places where it’s not meant to. Put simply, our fates are no longer in the hands of the earth, but in our own. As a result of this, the earth is suffering, as each aforementioned activity has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Although mankind is prospering now, it’s only a matter of time before our misguided ambitions catch up with us and our only planet no longer sustains life. It’s a disturbing concept to think about, but it’s a reality we must face. And if I’ve done my job correctly, my artwork will assist you in facing that reality.