Wiped off the Map

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.

Amazon Canopy

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.

Forestia oldemanii

The impressive dissertation of Roelof Oldeman (1974, summa cum laude) shows the natural forest’s complexity, dynamics and beauty. Oldeman combined morphogenetic, ecological and physiological concepts, allowing the structural analysis of the populations of trees to explain and understand the forest.

This (holistic) combination of sciences is also needed to understand the ecosystem society and its (public) governance. Now, this scientific landscape is scattered and segmented. Can public administration and corporate governance sciences learn from the forest approach?

Source: Oldeman (1974) part of fig 42. – Profil d’une parcelle de forĂȘt d’environ 30 X 40 m dans la region de SaĂŒl, Ă  une altitude de 285 m

This design is a personal redraw and colouring exercise by me as one of his students. I call it Forestia oldemanii. An ode to my teacher and dear friend.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Forestia oldemanii [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Oldeman, R.A.A. (1974, 2nd ed.). L’architecture de la forĂȘt guyanaise. MĂ©moires ORSTOM, 73.

Sky-blue Mushroom

It is a form of art on its own, the sky-blue mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri). It is home in the forests throughout New Zealand. This colour blue is exceptional for mushrooms. The contrast with the brown/green forest colour palette is remarkable.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Sky-blue mushroom [metal print]. Breda: Private collection.

 

Fifty Shades of Yellow

Deep in the forest, this mushroom (Russula ochroleuca, geelwitte russula) shows fifty shades of yellow. It is a wonder of nature. Its architecture is a miracle on its own.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Fifty Shades of Yellow [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.