The Orphans

Exhibit Title:
The Orphans

Exhibition Locations:
Permanent Exhibition:
Spitalfields Market, 56 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA

Past Exhibitions:
London W2 2UH, United Kingdom (January 2020 – December 2021)

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About the Exhibition:
The Orphans is a monumental public art installation created by Gillie and Marc, designed to highlight the devastating impact of poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict on elephants.

The centerpiece features a towering 3-meter-tall bronze mother elephant with 20 life-sized orphaned elephant calves running toward her. This heart-wrenching scene symbolizes the loss of their mothers due to human greed and selfishness. The mother’s tusks, painted in a striking blue, serve as a reminder of the issues surrounding ivory poaching and the future of these magnificent creatures.

Each calf represents a real-life orphan from the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT). Visitors can connect with these individual elephants by scanning interactive boards that tell their unique rescue stories and provide opportunities for adoption. This interactive installation invites people to reflect on their responsibility to protect elephants and support conservation efforts.

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About the Project:
Gillie and Marc, hailed as the greatest creators of public art in New York’s history by The New York Times, have dedicated their lives to creating art that raises awareness about endangered species. The Orphans was inspired by their recent trip to Kenya, where they witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of poaching and habitat loss on elephants.

The installation is a powerful call to action, combining artistic excellence with a poignant message of conservation. Each of the 20 orphaned calves was sketched by the artists during their visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, highlighting real stories of survival and hope. The installation encourages donations and adoptions to support SWT’s vital work.

Through their work, Gillie and Marc aim to transform passive audiences into passionate advocates for conservation, creating a future where wildlife can thrive.

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About the Animals:
Every day, 55 elephants are killed due to ivory poaching, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict. This leads to hundreds of orphaned calves who face starvation, trauma, and death without their mothers.

Elephants are keystone species, crucial to their ecosystems. They create pathways to water and maintain the health of their environment, benefiting countless other species. They are highly social, protective, and nurturing animals, with mothers dedicating their lives to raising and loving their calves.

However, their populations are dwindling at an alarming rate. Poaching alone reduced their numbers by 30% between 2009 and 2016. In some regions, elephants are dying faster than they are being born.

Through The Orphans, Gillie and Marc hope to bring these issues to the forefront, inspiring action to save these gentle giants from extinction.

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More Information:
Gillie and Marc’s public artworks can be found globally, from New York to Singapore, Sydney, and London. Known for their beloved Rabbitwoman and Dogman characters, their mission is to create art for a better tomorrow.

As passionate eco-warriors, the artists use their sculptures to educate and mobilize communities for conservation. Their Love The Last initiative has raised hundreds of thousands in donations to support endangered species.

Follow their journey on Instagram: @gillieandmarcart

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Partners:
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT):

• SWT operates the world’s most successful orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation program, along with anti-poaching initiatives, mobile veterinary units, aerial surveillance, and habitat conservation projects. Learn more and adopt an orphan: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org.

The TreadRight Foundation:

• A not-for-profit initiative focused on protecting wildlife, marine life, and the planet through sustainable travel. Learn more: www.treadright.org.

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How to Help:

• Adopt an Elephant: Visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to adopt one of the orphaned calves and support their rehabilitation.
• Raise Awareness: Share your photos of The Orphans on social media using the hashtag #ElephantsOfTomorrow.
• Learn Their Stories: Each sculpture includes a plaque with the name of the orphan it represents and its rescue story. Visit the installation to connect with these incredible animals.