Leopard: Honouring the Muse

From the forests of South America, the Jaguar. Also called “Tigre mariposa” meaning butterfly tiger because of her black spots, is the biggest cat of the continent. She’s often represented as a symbol of power and strength, and often a threat for humans. Such an image has led art to hide her vulnerability, ignoring the imminent danger of disappearance that faces in this industrialized world. I don’t want you to see her power, I want to show you her fragility. Through those butterflies spots and tender sight, I aim to manifest how defenseless and delicate her existence is and invite you to protect her. 

About the Artist

Valentina Nieto is a life-long passionate artist who has dedicated her work to biodiversity conservation. Having received a BSc in Biology from the National University of Colombia, she has used art to bridge science and society for nature conservation. Through her art, she seeks to convey some of her devotion and invites you to recognise the delicate balance of nature and humanity's active role in it.

Her work has been included in this exhibition because an honouring of spotted cats would be an injustice without mention of the mighty Jaguar. Also called "Tigre mariposa", translating directly to Butterly Tiger, they are the stewards of South America's forests and the continent's biggest cats. She is often represented as a symbol of power and strength, and a threat to humans. Such a reputation has led us to hide her vulnerability, ignoring the imminent danger of extinction that Jaguars face in the modern world. 
 

"I don't want you to see her power, I want to show you her fragility. Through the butterflies and tender glance, I want to share how defenseless and delicate her existence is and invite you to protect her."