New York artist, activist and ecological researcher Brandon Ballengee blends science with art by photographing deformities among amphibian populations known as the Malamp project. "The Case of the Deviant Toad" his first London solo exhibition, was the artistic result of his 'eco-actions' and study of UK toad populations. Ballengee worked for over two years to study possible causes of toads with deformities including parasites, predators or chemical pollution. "The Case of the Deviant Toad" represents the artistic leg of the project and it was a spotlight on amphibian deformity with its high-resolution scanner photos and preserved specimens of deformed toads. Ballengee developed a chemical process that stains the bones and cartilage with colours and leaves the skin transparent. The stained amphibians are then scanned at very high resolution and turned into large-scale watercolor prints scaled up to the size of a human toddler attempting to evoke empathy rather than fear. Resembling X-rays, the disturbing, yet beautiful images are unique, intended to recall the individuality of the life of every frog.
After browsing through the images of the frogs and reading about the artist's process, I think it is a great way to raise awareness of what is happening to these toads. I think art as a way of protesting the effects of global warming on the environment is a great way to reach the public and create reactions.
Link to site: http://www.theecologist.org/how_to_make_a_difference/wildlife/451908/deformed_toad_artist_hopes_to_win_public_sympathy_for_amphibians.html
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