This is an artistic impression of the natural rainforest being wiped off the map. The pristine Amazon canopy – and the entire ecosystem with hundreds of millions of individuals (animals, plants, fungi) – gets lost and dies. Biodiversity is brought to zero, with no change of discovery.

Human societies are like hurricanes. They destroy everything in their path.

I know we sit, watch and reflect on this loss from our chairs made from the wood of these forests. We seem to be trapped by ourselves. Or is there a way out?

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Wiped off the map [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Being part of the canopy of the forest is relevant for every tree. It is the way to maximise photosynthesis and, therefore, the production of sugars, the basic building materials for the entire ecosystem. It is the place in the forest to be – “Each tree is essential. It is part of The Empire of the Sun” (quote by Professor Roelof Oldeman†, 2021). The food chain starts here.

From a remote-sensing perspective, this art expression tells the story of how the fight for light looks like. Every inch is used. The natural rainforest’s biodiversity can be sensed from this eagle’s view, an art impression.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2021) Amazon Canopy [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.