Faculty of Design

Illustration

Patricia Wisniewski

Obsolescence

This year, Marineland threatened to euthanize its 30 beluga whales if the Canadian government did not agree to approve their transfer to the U.S., stating they no longer had the ability to care for them. The paint on their pools is peeling, the facilities are outdated, and they have no funding for staff to take care of the animals. This piece tackles the experience of the whales in this condition, stuck in close quarters in a home that is falling apart and unable to do anything about it. It represents the feeling of having to live in a home that is no longer meeting your needs, despite the challenges that comes with.

“I am very proud of the fluidity and movement I have achieved in this piece with the challenge of fitting upwards of 30 belugas onto one canvas.”