Gopal Samantray

The subject I explore in my work is one that concerns every living being on this planet — the fragile and increasingly threatened relationship between nature and modernity. Through my art, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental crises we are both knowingly and unknowingly contributing to in our relentless pursuit of development. In the rush to modernize, we often overlook the very essence of what sustains us — the natural world we are gradually losing to concrete and steel.

People tend to forget that the survival of the Earth — and all its inhabitants — depends on maintaining a delicate balance between two opposing forces: progress and preservation. Without harmony, even the most advanced infrastructure becomes meaningless against the backdrop of a dying ecosystem.

My paintings speak to this urgent imbalance, focusing particularly on the global issue of climate change and environmental degradation. The theme of global warming runs deeply through my work, not just as a scientific concern, but as a human one. My art is guided by a vision of how the world should be — a hopeful yet critical perspective on what we are losing, and what we still have a chance to protect.

Animal figures often feature prominently in my compositions. They symbolize displacement — the forced detachment from their natural habitats due to deforestation, climate change, and urban expansion. These creatures appear out of place, isolated in unfamiliar surroundings, echoing the deep disconnection between modern humanity and the natural world. Their presence compels viewers to pause, reflect, and confront a reality that we often choose to ignore.

In another series of works, I extend this exploration by focusing on region-specific birds and animals, placing them within altered or fragmented environments. These pieces carry the same haunting aura — a subtle yet powerful reminder that what is endangered is not just a species, but an entire way of coexisting with nature.

Ultimately, my work is both a warning and a plea. A call to remember that progress cannot come at the cost of the planet — that sustainability and development must go hand in hand if we are to secure a future for all life on Earth.