Oil Chic ,2016 came about after the catastrophic grounding of the container ship, MV Rena, on the Astrolabe reef, off the coast of Tauranga in 2011. This event was New Zealand’s worst ever maritime disaster and it still having an effect today on the wildlife and environment here.
Among the worst effected were the little blue penguins. Weighing just 1 kg, they are the world’s smallest penguin and are a protected and declining species in New Zealand.
Some communities rallied together to knit sweaters for these penguins. The idea was to keep the oil-soaked birds warm and prevent preening and ingestion of the toxic substances until they could be put through treatment.
Tara says - "Although this effort has been deemed impractical by some New Zealand wildlife centres, as they have more suitable and less distressing facilities for the same purpose, I was inspired by the idea of making things for animals to wear to help them survive in the face of new or unnatural threats."
Media: Fine Art Print Signed by Tara Cassidy
Print Size: A4 (210 x 297mm) with a Matt & Foam surround, ready for you to choose a frame to suit your home.