We are witnessing the beginning of a pitch-black period. 

For all those who care about nature, about the oppressed, about justice and democracy. 

And for those who care about the rights of women, of those with a different opinion, a different sexual orientation, of those with a colored skin.

For those who think equality is important, as well as their own choice in beliefs, sexuality, way of life.

Or for those who think that the richest are too rich, that big companies are too powerful, that we should consume much less, that those in poverty should be helped, as well as refugees from countries where it is becoming increasingly unlivable, for whatever reason.

For anyone I forgot to mention, who did not choose the party that took power in one of the most divided, polarising, polluting, consuming countries in the world.

Witnesses, but not with clean hands

We all are witnesses, and we are forced to remain witnesses, to experience the consequences in the years to come. We in the wealthy world, we are also partly to blame, in my opinion. Because we have not taken timely enough distance from disturbing views. And we have not taken enough measures to limit the power of the richest, of the narrow minded, of depraved beliefs and plans.

Because we have allowed people to disrespect nature and disrespect all the people and groups I mentioned above. We have not sufficiently entrenched their rights in irreversible agreements and positive actions, in real change. And so they continue to play a secondary role in the future of all that lives on earth.

We have allowed our leaders to wage wars, support wars, tolerate oppression, indirectly or even directly participate in genocide….

Because we didn’t rebellion enough against the destructive path humanity has taken in recent decades. And we even condemned and put in jail those who did, who disrupted our daily lives with protests and actions.

This is a black day. Money, big business, capitalism, consumption and white supremacy has won. We asked for it ourselves. We are a part of the system.

‘A golden age…’ Yes, for a few. For the rest of the world and the Earth: Dark Times.

And now? Abandonment, sadness, apathy?

No. Determination, fighting spirit. Fighting even harder for what I love, for what is important to me, to us. Not sitting around waiting for things to get better on their own, because they won't. But being realistic, and not forgetting to prepare for what is to come.

For ourselves, but much, much more so for those who are in the midst of it and facing a difficult time.

General info on this artwork

The artwork 'Dark Times' is a new work in my collection 'Secret Places'. It is a digital transformation of a photograph. Printed on order with high-quality ink on museum-quality, acid-free cotton/rag paper (Hahnemühle Photo Rag® 308gsm). The work comes in a limited edition of 10, signed and with a certificate of authenticity. But of course, it is also available as Open Edition print, without signature and not numbered. Available in any size you desire !

Maximum size is 225Wx150H cm / 90Wx60H inches, any size available up to that maximum. So please let me know the size you would prefer.

I start with one or more photographs made by myself to create these artworks. Then I use digital painting, color adjusting and adding and transforming multiple artistic textures and effects. I do this until there is a surreal atmosphere that touches me and tells the story I want to tell you.

Prints of 'Dark Times' are available, please contact me for a quote. Available in any size you desire ! Prices starting at €55 / US$60.
Also available on Fine Art America.

ALL WE NEED IS LESS CONSUMING

Through my artworks I ask you to reflect for a moment on the nature around you, on the beautiful feeling that nature can evoke. Thus to think about your actions to support the wellbeing of the earth and everything that lives on it. And on what humanity loses when many of us continue on the destructive path of ever more greed and consuming. And please, reflect on how you can survive in this rapidly changing world…

So do you want to know your ecological footprint? 

Then visit this website: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en 

And do you want to reduce your ecological footprint?

Then ask me, I will help you. For free. Or simply visit my website and choose in the menu for Your Footprint.

And if you appreciate my writings and art and want to support me, you can buy me a piece of fruit here: https://ko-fi.com/jacobberghoef, thank you 🍏 !

So are you interested in more? Then read what I wrote about System Change, Man's impact on the earth, Organic Change, Regenerative Agriculture, Regeneration