In the public’s perception, the Chinese national treasure giant panda has always been extremely rare. However, with the conservation of panda habitats, China announced in July 2021 that they are no longer an endangered species. American artist Rob Pruitt was inspired by this event and presented a personal exhibition themed “No longer endangered, but vulnerable”.
Rob Pruitt has been fascinated by pandas since childhood. He grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., where the local government was gifted a pair of pandas, “Ling-Ling” and “Hsing-Hsing.” Since then, he has often asked his parents to take him to the zoo, capturing pandas with his brush and camera. His love for pandas has continued to this day, becoming one of his iconic creative themes.
The artist hopes that through this exhibition, they can bring a light reminder to the audience that although pandas are “no longer on the brink of extinction, they are still fragile.” At the same time, the status of pandas reminds us that with the increasing environmental disasters and current geopolitical instability, people are striving to cope with tense situations and dangers. However, the most important thing is that temporary safety does not mean eternal safety, and we must remain vigilant to the crises around us.
Rob Pruitt’s vocabulary is direct and concise, his creations are often related to people, and through the ironic implications, he allows the audience to confront the contradictions of modern existence, thereby blurring the boundaries between utopia and dystopia. You may want to visit the exhibition and appreciate how this artist uses a series of adorable pandas to bring thought-provoking warnings.
“No Longer Endangered, But Vulnerable”
Date: From now until October 22, 2022
Time: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: MASSIMODECARLO, 2/F, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, Shop 03-205 & 206
Image source and learn more: MASSIMODECARLO
