Artist goes through the roof for endangered blue Iguana lizard

From Newham Recorder

On top of a roof in east London is probably the last place you’d expect to see a highly endangered species that prefers tropical weather.

But thanks to London artist, Louis Masai, you can now see a giant Cayman Island blue iguana on a wall at Roof East, in Great Eastern Way.

The new artwork project was funded by Urban Space management and the Rooftop Film Club and is a part of the artists patchwork toys series, which also incorporates the artists trademark bees swarming around the iguana in reference to Louis’s popular save the bees campaign.

“My stuffed patchwork toys series highlights a world where species have disappeared and only toys now exist.” he said.

“My bee stitchers are doing what they do best and trying to keep things together. For me bees are the saviors and in this painting they are trying to save blue iguana.”

By 2003 there were just 15 Cayman Island blue iguana’s left in the wild after they were officially declared endangered in the late-1990’s and it is hoped the new artwork will help ignite conversations about the importance of protecting the environment and wildlife conservation.

Roof East is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 5pm to 11pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 11pm for those that wish to view the artwork.

IMAGES:

Louis Masai at Roof East

The completed artwork at Roof East

For more on this story go to:  http://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/artist_goes_through_the_roof_for_endangered_blue_iguana_lizard_1_4573065