Artist Statement
New Neighbours
This series explores an exaggerated future in which urbanization has forced animals into even closer living quarters with us. So much so, that they have even adapted parts of the human lifestyle! Toronto has a vast biodiversity that is present in the city, but unfortunately, habitat loss, climate change, and human activities often challenge the native plants and animals. As urbanization expands, animals are forced to live in closer contact with the human inhabitants of the city. Furthermore, urban sprawl is killing animals and plants at alarming rates and we are beginning to face a biodiversity crisis.
This biodiversity crisis is not a light topic, however, I aimed to explore it in a humourous and light-hearted way. Through comical imagery, I hope to address the real and tragic reality that we are currently experiencing. I want this series to help people understand the reality of urbanization and the effect it has on these animals that are often overlooked and seen as nuisances. As a city, we need to do more to preserve and create safe habitats for these creatures to live alongside us. New Neighbours was created using a combination of photography and digital illustration. I used my own apartment building and unit in Toronto as a vessel for addressing the city as a whole.