Melissa Chimera

The untitled installation comprised of deer, sheep, pigs, cow, goats references the waves of land mammal species which have radically transformed the Hawaiian environment since their arrival by European sailing ships beginning in the late 1700s. In the absence of natural predators, these animals have displaced and endangered Hawaiian native plants and animals, and now threaten farmers, communities and their livelihoods. The installation is a contemplation on the effects of these animals–especially deer on Maui–and their collision with the land’s ability to support ever expanding wild herds.

At the center is the mixed media painting “Miconia and Deer” which features two prominent invasive species–one plant, and one animal–which have transformed the island of Maui. Axis deer from India and Miconia calvescens from South America were introduced in the 20th century. Both species are the focus of removal and/or containment by conservationists in sensitive ecological zones.