A Sustainable Future?

The artwork depicts the vivid colours of the lithium brine extraction ponds and the vulnerability of the ecosystems within northern Chile. Lithium extraction uses vast quantities of brine pumped from aquifers, reducing the water available to surrounding ecosystems. Mineral exploitation contributes to the depletion of the water resources of the hypersaline lagoons of the Salar de Atacama, endangering these rare ecosystems – and reducing the Artemia (brine shrimp) population, a food source for the flamingos. Two of most threatened species are the Andean and the James’ flamingos; both are endemic to the region. While the urgency of addressing climate change is undeniable, it is crucial to recognise that lithium extraction has an environmental cost in transitioning to a “greener” future. The artwork underscores the immediate need to find more sustainable ways to obtain lithium and consider alternative methods to brine evaporation to prevent further biodiversity loss. It also brings to the forefront the vital issues of Indigenous environmental justice and the concept of “other-than-human” challenging our traditional understanding of humanity's role in nature. Oil on canvas. Actual size: 28 x 36 cm. The artist does not use animal products or rare minerals to produce artwork. Updated with minor typographical corrections: June 30, 2025.