The Guatemala Puzzle Piece painting is part of my ongoing contribution to the Art Into Acres project, which started in 2018 with the goal of conserving Guatemala's unique cloud forest. In early 2023, I traveled to the region with biologists Phil Tanimoto and Isabella Rosito, who later worked with me to determine which species to include in the artwork.

The painting was featured in Not Too Late, a 2024 benefit exhibition at Charles Moffett Gallery in New York City, presented in partnership with Art into Acres. 100% of Proceeds donated to support the protection of newly designated Indigenous Lands in the Amazon and Guatemala.

Upon first glance, the painting showcases easily recognizable species like the Northern Emerald Toucanet and the red-eyed tree frog. The white nun orchid, designated a national flower in 1934 and now legally protected, symbolizes peace, beauty, and art in Guatemala. Including Passalid beetles pays tribute to the research of Drs. Enio Cano and Jack Schuster. Notably, Dr. Cano named a new species after Nobel laureate Rigoberto Menchu. Shifting to amphibians, often-overlooked heroes facing numerous threats, FUNDAECO and MUSHNAT have diligently worked since 2007, leading to discoveries like the rediscovered Jackson’s Mushroom-tongue Salamander after a 40-year hiatus.

Even though Guatemala boasts the highest percentage of protected areas in Central America, its biodiversity is at significant risk due to factors such as land degradation and climate change. The fragility of this ecosystem is underscored by the interconnectedness of its components. When a single piece of the biodiversity puzzle is lost, it disrupts the functioning of the entire system. For instance, a decline in genetic diversity within a specific group of animals can have a cascading effect, impacting the overall species diversity in that area and ultimately causing a shift in the balance of ecosystem diversity. The significance of this environmental concern is poignantly captured in the mentioned painting, which transcends mere aesthetic appeal. Instead, it serves as a powerful reminder to cherish and safeguard Guatemala's wild and untamed natural environment.

My photos taken on my travels through Guatemela, 2023