Marinda Combrinck

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Confronted by a dead animal on the road, most people would avert their gaze from the carnage. Not Calitzdorp artist Marinda Combrinck, whose latest exhibition highlights the need for a better record of wildlife killed on South Africa’s highways and byways so that hotspots can be identified to avoid unnecessary loss.

WORDS Louise Venter PHOTOGRAPHS David Swart Art works photographed SC Pienaar

Contrary to its characteristically tough nature, the Honey Badger lying flat on its belly, paws tucked in, looks oddly vulnerable as a slight breeze ruffles its black and white fur. Due to dwindling numbers and its inherent shyness, it is rare to get close to one of these magnificent animals. Despite its seemingly peaceful pose, I sense all is not as it appears.

As I move closer, I realise I am not looking at a sleeping animal, but a masterfully executed mixed media drawing on bamboo. This Honey Badger was victim to a vehicle-wildlife collision, commonly known as roadkill.

The unfortunate animal is part of a roadkill series comprising 20 drawings and a painting by Marinda, a professional fine artist. Titled Draaijakkals after the single oil on canvass of a Bat-eared Fox (Draaijakkals in Afrikaans), the series was exhibited for the first time in June at the Knysna Fine Art Gallery.

Sensitively handled, the drawings and painting – displayed against a black background to create the impression of travelling on a tar road that meanders between the works of art – gently challenge the viewer’s comfort zone. As I turn into a dead-end, I am confronted by Draaijakkals, a deeply disturbing, larger than life representation of the ill-fated Bat-eared Fox in full colour, forcing me to stop and reflect on the message Marinda is communicating.

A seasoned artist known for landscapes and portraits, Marinda started her journey with roadkill about ten years ago when she moved with her family from Gauteng to Calitzdorp, a small town on Route 62.

Enthralled by the Klein Karoo’s enchanting contrasts and variety, Marinda spent hours travelling the R62 to collect material for her work. During this time, she became acutely aware of the dead wildlife she frequently encountered on the road.

“I will forever be in love with this land. I admire its rhythm, beauty and delicacy, and find inspiration in everything, which compels me to stop and interact. I am also confronted with disturbing images, things that are uncomfortable and at odds with the otherwise pastoral scenes of the Klein Karoo.

“I am constantly reminded of the subtle connections, counterpoints and symbioses of all living things and my own place in it,” says Marinda.

Always armed with her camera and sketchbook, Marinda recorded every roadkill she came across, the first being the mutilated remains of the Bat-eared Fox that became the inspiration for her exhibition.

Her interest in roadkill soon brought her into contact with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and field officer Wendy Collinson, who helped her identify the various species of dead wildlife she had found and reported to the EWT Wildlife and Transport Programme (EWT-WTP). The programme aims to mitigate the adverse effects the transport industry has on wildlife.

According to Wendy, the EWT-WTP’s success relies heavily on public reportage, which is still lacking in many areas, for example amphibians. While the public reports the death of larger animals, those that seem insignificant – like a frog, a small bird or even a bloodstain on the road – mostly go unnoticed and unreported.

“The public response is great. We just need to alert people to all roadkill, which is what Marinda’s drawings of the smaller wildlife – such as the Geometric Tortoise, the Chameleon and the Puff Adder – highlight.

“All data is important as it helps us see patterns, identify roadkill hotspots and develop recommendations for mitigation. Marinda’s sensitive handling of the subject will hopefully help spark further public awareness,” says Wendy.

Trent Read, Knysna Fine Art Gallery owner and art dealer, says Marinda’s artistic skill and sensitive, almost purist approach to her subject matter adds to the series’ success.

“This, I think, is amongst the most important work she has ever done. The pieces are very difficult and the subject matter is immediately deeply upsetting to people, but if you spend time with them, they have a serene beauty. She has done them with love and has given them a dignity that we don’t always afford them in life. I think it’s an extraordinary accomplishment,” he says.

A percentage of this series’ sales will be donated to the EWT-WTP.

Roadkill sightings can be reported to [email protected]. For more information, consult the EWT website www.ewt.org.za.

Marinda Combrinck’s work can be viewed at her Calitzdorp gallery or online at www.marindacombrinck.co.za.
WORDS Louise Venter PHOTOGRAPHS David Swart Art works photographed SC Pienaar

http://www.marindacombrinck.co.za

Draaijakkals
Found on Route 62
130 x 161cm
Oil on canvas

African Wild Cat (Felis silvestris lybica) Vaalboskat (Afrikaans)
Found on Route 62
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

Bat-Eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis) Draaijakkals (Afrikaans)
Found on Route 62
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

Cape Genet (Genetta Tigrina) Museljaatkat
Found on Route 62
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Nonnetjie-uil (Afrikaans)
Found on Route 62
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

African Wild Dog, (Lycaon pictus), Wildehond (Afrikaans)
Found in Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Eastern Cape, Northern Limpopo
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

African Antilope (Raphicenis campeslris) Steenbokkie (Afrikaans)
Found on Route 62
112 x 127cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper

Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis) Kolhaas (Afrikaans)
Found in Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Eastern Cape, Northern Limpopo
70 x 100cm
Mixed media on Hahnemuehle bamboo paper