Geometric Ecosystems: Gonakier Forest Senegal River Basin

ECOSYSTEM STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED

This series of paintings was created to bring awareness to critically endangered ecosystems around the world. Each unique in their biodiversity, these ecosystems are critical to an uncountable number of animals and the overall wellness of our planet. By looking at the specific materials and qualities of each ecosystem, simple geometries were derived and then used to depict a snapshot of the overall system combined. All nine paintings are gouache paint on 200 pound watercolor paper, 9 in by 9 in.

The Senegal River floodplain is a rich forest dominated by Acacia trees (also called Gonakier). It stands in sharp contrast to the arid steppes and desert that surrounds it. The forest provides critical habitat for fish, birds and other species, including humans. The conversion of forest to agriculture and changes to river flow management are the major threats to Gonakier forests of the Senegal River floodplain. The land occupied by Gonakier forests has become an important resource for flood recession agriculture and deforestation for charcoal production. These processes have resulted in a shrinkage of the distribution of the ecosystem.