In 'Endangerment', Vethan Sautour created life-size animal sculptures to make the audience aware of these individuals' existence through their encounter. Thusly, the creatures lose the abstract nature of their geographic remoteness, they leave the realm of the unknown and of imagination, and the issues they face become all the more real.

 

The animals are represented in the form of pure white polyurethane figures, on which origami - the like of butterflies reminiscent of 'magic realism' - rest and symbolise fragility. Their symmetric posture, inspired by Ancient Egyptian as well as Mesopotamian Art, conveys the impression that they have been frozen in time out of preservation. Similar to a last glimmer of hope, the origami hold on to the last strengths of their animals symbollised by the use of colour - the ultimate spark of life - which comes in stark contrast with the monochromatic nature of the still sculptures. The chosen hues echo that of the creature's habitat and original shades.

 

The relationship between the audience and the species is rekindled in their finding of a mutual respect and acknowledgement of their commonalities. The aim is to reach such a level of respect as to invest time in finding ways to peacefully coexist. The causes of animal extinction and struggles are multifaceted and each sculpture stands for one of these threats.

 

All sculptures are editions of seven.