The process behind my project began by looking into extinction and the link between its causes through human activity and the rate it has increased by. My research lead me to then focused on current critically endangered animals and how I could create a scenario that postponed their extinction. My narrative is focused on the animals fighting back against their own potential extinction through preparing for a war to eradicate the human species. This is to be shown in a theatre performance where the character I developed and designed for is an Amur leopard that is the leader of the pack. All the animals have been kept and treated badly in captivity which is reflected in my final outcome. Within my design I included a range of rust dyed samples to mimic the idea of the leopards print, also reflecting how metal is used as armour protection in battles. Throughout my research I gained knowledge on the Amur leopards behaviours and anatomy which reflected into the human form. I wanted to present my character as intimidating to overpower the intended audience, this is shown through the eerie darkness of my final images. To create the intended silhouette I crafted wooden stilts and a back piece to transform the character away from the human body. I also included self made fur and chicken wire to further develop the leopards silhouette and backstory.
