The “Shrug” print is available online here and in-store throughout the exhibition’s duration.

A fundraiser print entitled “Shrug” to coincide with Toronto artists, Trevor Wheatley and Cosmo Dean’s exhibition “Listen Close” at Public Land Gallery. 100 percent of the proceeds from these sales will be apportioned and donated to the California Native Plant Society and the Mojave Land Trust in order to further support their efforts of environmental conservation and education. Both are non-profit organizations. (This piece was erected and photographed on land outside of Joshua Tree, CA )

About the image:

The “Shrug” installation presents a symbol that is widely understood by the current tech generation as an expression of apathy.  It encompasses the feeling of complete indifference; a sentiment Dean and Wheatley see more and more frequently as large numbers continue to flock to breathtaking natural spaces to snap their photos and leave, with little-to-no thinking or reflection involved. While the two hope to not harp on the negative aspect behind this image, they would like it to capture the eyes of the youth generation - perhaps inspiring them to think deeper about these surroundings they are coming in contact with. The image can serve as a back-handed wake-up call if you will, to be present, be aware, be mindful, and truly appreciate and not take for granted what the natural world offers to our species and the impact our interactions may have on its longevity.