Bas van Duyvenbode

We were on vacation in the Dominican Republic. A country with many riches but also poverty. One side of the island where the garbage is dumped into the sea. The other side of the island where young whales are born. The overwhelming feeling of a giant whale rising out of the water next to you. As big as an apartment building. You’re just a tiny little man then. That feeling was so beautiful, so rare and pure. So nice…

In the painting you can see some of the threats that plague these sea giants. The night has fallen for the whale. A plastic cup floats past. The whale hunter in the red light. The tear rolls down his cheeks. Will she be there again next year?