The Return of Gabriel
The Return of Gabriel (1) – Gabriel (oil on canvass, 80x100cm).
Gabriel, according to the Bible, is an Archangel. He (she?) appears in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; sometimes as a messenger, and sometimes as a warrior of God. He transmits messages – warnings and happy news alike, which is why he is also referred to as the Angel of Revelation. Amongst others, he is said to have told Mary she would give birth to a son named Jesus, and he conveyed parts of the Qu ‘ran to Mohamed. In other instances, he is seen as a warrior, and executer of Gods will. Sodom was apparently destroyed by a flicker of Gabriel’s wing.
It’s about time for something like The Return of Gabriel.
Isnt’t it.
The Return of Gabriel (2) – Don’t Look Up (oil on canvass, 60x80cm).
The writting has been on the wall for long. Since 1856 we know how much heat energy a CO2 molecule does absorb. And we can measure the concentration of CO2 (and other gases) in our atmosphere. After that, it is a simple calculation. That is why the predictions about global warming made by scientists – as early as 1896 – have been fairly accurate. For those not refusing to look up, Gabriel has been visible on the horizon. For long.
The Return of Gabriel (3) – When The Shit Hits The Fan (Global Sea-Surface Temperatures 1940-2024) (oil on canvass, 60x80cm).
When the shit is about to hit the fan…
Since April 2023, our oceans have set new temperature records every single day. Our planet is 71% ocean – what happens on the sea happens on the land.
The only uncertainty factor in global warming calculation is reflection: how much sunlight is reflected by clouds and ice sheets before it is absorbed and transferred to heat on this our planet’s surface? We have had a devil’s bargain: water in the air condenses on dirt particles, forming clouds. More pollution, more clouds, less warming. Now we have taken some SO2 out of coal and heavy oil and pollute a little less – less clouds, more warming. Plus: warmer air can carry 7% more water vapour for each degree.
Meaning: even less clouds, even faster warming.
The Return of Gabriel (4) – It’s All In Our Hands (oil on canvass, 60x80cm).
It is all in our hands.
We would have the technology, the financial means, and the political tools to transition to a civilisation that does not set free incredibly amounts of pollutants, including CO2. But we don’t use them.
Maybe because there is something else in our hands.
That thing in your hand you are starring at right now.
The Return of Gabriel (5) – He Who Refuses To Listen (oil on canvass, 60x80cm). Obviously stolen.
Until 1.5 degrees warming is safe, they said. Since April 2023, we have been above 1.6 degrees, and we see what’s happening: heat, drought, wildfires, rain bombs, hail, floodings, monster storms. Either too little or too much water. Maybe we thought we can just shelter inside and crank up the aircon. Even if we could – the plants that are meant to grow can’t: our food.
There are only 9 meals standing between humanity and violent anarchy.
He who refuses to listen will find out the hard way…
The Return of Gabriel (6) – At Night (oil on canvass, 60x80cm).
There will be no angel coming to our rescue. No Captain Marvel, and no Kung-Fu Panda. Barring a miracle or a WW2-like world-wide human effort – now! – we are done, and deep down inside, we all know it. Miracles are rare, and we’re not in a movie. We’ll have to get out of this mess all on our own. Many scientists (if not most) think it’s too late – Gabriel the Angel of Revelation turining into an Archangel of Revenge for Mother Earth.
But maybe, just maybe, it is not too late.
And even if it were – giving up is not really an option.
The Return of Gabriel (7) – Where I Wanna Be (oil on canvass, 60x80cm).
It would be all so easy, wouldn’t it? Humanity only works through the wallet. If the cost of pollution was integrated in what we buy, the cheaper and cleaner alternatives would long have eliminated oil, coal, gas, plastic and all the rest. Maybe it is not too late. Transforming civilisation would create millions of new jobs. Nature-based agriculture & healthy food. Billions of trees providing shade and taking pollutants out of the atmosphere. A bit less for the haves, a bit more for the not-haves: this place could be so beautiful.
I am not religious. But I do prey Gabriel will return as the Angel of Revelation – and not as the Archangel of Revenge.
If only he weren’t so late…
The Return of Gabriel (8) – Are You Watching Us (crayon on paper, 30x40cm).
