“BEYOND BORDERS: THE BEAUTY AND PERIL OF THE TIGER” SONNY BEHAN
“Through my work painting large-scale murals around the world, I have seen firsthand the incredible power of art to captivate people and spark conversations, both online and in the streets.”
In Lower Manhattan, at 188 Lafayette Street, a vibrant new mural spotlighting the plight of endangered tigers and other large feline species was unveiled amidst a crowd of wildlife enthusiasts and proponents. The colossal art piece, named "Beyond Borders: The Beauty and Peril of the Tiger," was created by esteemed wildlife muralist, Sonny Sundancer, and sponsored by FOUR PAWS, an organization fervently advocating for the cessation of the commercial trade of big cats in South Africa as part of their #BreaktheViciousCycle initiative.
FOUR PAWS' mission is to illuminate the shadows of an industry that commercially exploits big cats. From native species like lions and leopards to imported species such as tigers and jaguars, these creatures are farmed in South Africa for global commerce. The mural, moreover, brings to light the fact that more tigers reside in private ownership in the US than are left in the wild.
Danika Oriol-Morway, Country Director of FOUR PAWS USA, emphasized the importance of their advocacy, stating, "The tiger embodies a unique significance for us. In the midst of our relentless endeavors to protect this majestic creature, we present a monumental three-story tribute to hope and activism, a towering testament to the Endangered Species Act, backed by unwavering commitment and unyielding determination." She conveyed a hopeful message, beckoning the global community to join their cause to safeguard endangered life, protect our planet, and envision a future where all life forms can flourish.
This grand mural is the inaugural work in FOUR PAWS' #YearofArt series, which showcases big cat murals around the globe, with art installations planned for various locations including New York, Cape Town, and other cities. This vibrant installation in New York City will remain for a minimum of one year.
Sonny Sundancer, the mural artist, has gained widespread recognition for his large-scale wildlife murals and intricate artwork. His masterpieces can be discovered in galleries and cityscapes worldwide.