NA PUA - WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia on canvas, 42 x 30 in. / 106.68 x 76.2 cm.

Rama the Elephant and Calley O'Neill: Interspecies Contemporary Art

Featured image: NA PUA - WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia on canvas, 42 x 30 in. / 106.68 x 76.2 cm.

Calley O'Neill's collaboration with Rama the Elephant, under the guidance of elephant whisperer Jeb Barsh, results in a powerful mixed aquamedia collection.

Calley O'Neill is an artist known for her mixed aquamedia works that emphasize environmental conservation and interspecies collaboration. Rama the Elephant was a collaborative artist who, along with Calley O'Neill, created paintings advocating for wildlife conservation.

Her work bridges the gap between species, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms and advocating for environmental conservation through a mesmerizing blend of color, texture, and symbolism.

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Our Dedication to Future Generations, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.
Our Dedication to Future Generations
, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.

"Our Dedication to Future Generations" is an interspecies wildlife thangka that celebrates the resurgence of humpback whales and the broader call to protect our oceans. The painting, a mixed aquamedia, features a magnificent whale emerging from the depths, its form a blend of O'Neill's finesse and Rama's wild, uninhibited strokes. This piece is not only an artistic achievement but also a visual pledge to preserve 50% of our oceans by 2050, echoing the urgent need for conservation.

Animals Point of View, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed media painting, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
Animals Point of View
, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed media painting, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.

In "Animals Point of View," O'Neill brings attention to the endangered orangutans of Sumatra and Borneo. The mixed media painting encapsulates the essence of these 'people of the forest' with a poignant intimacy, surrounded by the rich tapestry of their habitat. The artwork is a testament to the power and gentleness of these solitary beings, with O'Neill's detailed brushwork and choice of colors highlighting the urgency of their plight.

A Delicate Balance, Calley Oneill, 2016, mixed aquamedia on canvas, 23 x 15 in. / 58.42 x 38.1 cm.
A Delicate Balance
, Calley Oneill, 2016, mixed aquamedia on canvas, 23 x 15 in. / 58.42 x 38.1 cm.

"A Delicate Balance" is a hand-embellished giclee from O'Neill's endangered species series, where Rama the Elephant's abstract backgrounds complement the artist's delicate foregrounds. This particular piece, with its interplay of vibrant colors and intricate designs, speaks to the fragile equilibrium of the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the subtle yet profound impact every species has on the environment.

Calley O'Neill's artwork, in partnership with Rama the Elephant, is a stirring call to action and an invitation to witness the splendor of nature through a collaborative lens. "Our Dedication to Future Generations," "Animals Point of View," and "A Delicate Balance" are more than just paintings; they are conversations about coexistence, stewardship, and respect for the natural world. These pieces stand as a tribute to the beauty of wildlife and the importance of preserving it for the generations to come.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

E Ola Na Ālala! Long Live the Ālala!, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.
E Ola Na Ālala! Long Live the Ālala!
, Calley Oneill, 2022, mixed aquamedia, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.

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