At The Westminster School Dubai, students, teachers, and artists gathered for an extraordinary event, the “My World” art exhibition—a powerful initiative aimed at raising awareness about the urgent crisis of biodiversity loss. Organized by Erfan Firouzi, an 18-year-old naturalist and conservation advocate, in collaboration with Ms. Rukhsana Choudhary, the school’s head of arts, the exhibition brought together over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds, ages, and talents, all united by a common mission: to protect the planet through the power of art and education.
This two-week-long exhibition was meticulously crafted with contributions from students, staff, and the entire art department, who collectively invested countless hours over spring break to ensure every detail was a testament to the theme of environmental stewardship. The event combined science, nature, and art, bringing to life a visual and immersive experience designed to foster empathy for the natural world.
An Artistic Journey through Nature’s Fragility and Resilience
Upon entering the exhibition, visitors were immediately struck by a central installation: an imposing tree, crafted as a symbol of both the fragility and resilience of life. One side of the tree displayed vibrant imagery of life, while the other depicted devastation caused by forest fires. The tree’s trunk and branches were constructed from wood and thick wires, carefully covered with layers of recycled paper to create the texture and form of bark and leaves. This centerpiece served as a reminder of the delicate balance in ecosystems, emphasizing how life can thrive or perish depending on our actions.
Beneath the tree, an ocean wave made entirely from plastic bottles curved upward, highlighting the impact of ocean pollution on the environment. The wave’s shape was maintained with a thick steel wire frame, giving it a dynamic, cresting form. Just below the wave, objects representing oil spills painted a stark picture of how pollution permeates every corner of the planet. The scene conveyed a sobering message: even a simple choice to pollute or preserve can have profound consequences for countless species.
Environmental Heroes: Art Meets Pop Culture
Throughout the exhibition, life-sized sculptures of popular superheroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wonder Woman, and Black Panther, were strategically positioned as symbols of resilience and strength. These sculptures were painstakingly constructed from recycled materials—plastic, cotton, tape, and wires formed the base of each figure, while their recognizable costumes and poses conveyed a familiar message of heroism. This creative integration of beloved characters reinforced the notion that everyone has the potential to be a “hero” for the planet, protecting its resources and standing up against threats to biodiversity.
In one corner of the exhibit, a unique and symbolic art piece captured attention: a near-life-sized African pangolin. Known as the world’s most trafficked animal, the pangolin has become a symbol of wildlife exploitation. Under Erfan’s guidance, students took part in creating this sculpture from recycled materials, using a metal wire framework covered with individually cut cardboard scales. This labor-intensive process, which spanned nearly a week, brought students face-to-face with the realities of wildlife trafficking and the importance of conservation. Every scale was a reminder of the pangolin’s vulnerability and humanity’s role in both endangering and protecting it.
The Stories in Every Artwork: Voices for Indigenous Cultures and Vanishing Habitats
In another section of the exhibition, students’ paintings and drawings depicted indigenous cultures from around the world. These pieces served as a poignant reminder that habitat loss and deforestation not only threaten animal species but also displace human communities. Many students created artwork portraying forest-dwelling cultures, emphasizing that the destruction of habitats endangers both biodiversity and the homes of people who have long lived in harmony with the environment. This corner conveyed a powerful message: protecting nature means protecting cultures, identities, and ways of life that are intrinsically linked to the natural world.
A Celebration of Conservation Icons
One exhibit booth was dedicated to the visionary figures who have championed environmental causes. Here, students displayed hand-drawn book and magazine covers, including portraits of Sir David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, and a cover design by Erfan Firouzi. These artworks celebrated individuals whose work has inspired millions to take action for the planet. Sir David Attenborough’s portrait, in particular, was a centerpiece of this area, reflecting his enduring impact on generations of conservationists. Each cover design was a tribute to the power of advocacy and the influence of role models who have committed their lives to the preservation of nature.
An Unforgettable Encounter with Nature: Erfan Firouzi’s Specimen Collection
Perhaps the most remarkable part of the exhibition was Erfan Firouzi’s personal collection of over 200 animal and plant specimens, which he has meticulously gathered over eight years of fieldwork. Since the age of eleven, Erfan has encountered numerous animal specimens in the wild, many of which had died due to human activities such as poaching, pollution, and habitat destruction. His collection, which included animals like the common pheasant, affected by gunshots, and the poisoned shovelnose duck, served as a powerful educational tool. It gave over 5,000 visiting children an unprecedented opportunity to connect with nature in a way that was both informative and deeply personal.
The children listened as Erfan recounted the stories behind each specimen, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the urgent need for conservation. For many young attendees, this was their first encounter with the realities of biodiversity loss, and the experience left a lasting impression. Student volunteers often had to encourage the captivated children to move on to other exhibits, as they lingered, captivated by Erfan’s stories and the striking specimens before them. The collection highlighted the tangible impact of human actions on wildlife and inspired the students to become advocates for the environment.
A Letter to Sir David Attenborough: A Dialogue of Shared Passion
After the exhibition, Erfan wrote a heartfelt letter to Sir David Attenborough, expressing his admiration and gratitude for the conservationist’s influence on his work. Erfan shared details of the exhibition and its impact on the children, describing how his collection and the artwork had fostered a new connection to nature for thousands of young people. In his letter, Erfan wrote:
Dear Sir David Attenborough,
I hope this letter finds you well! My name is Erfan Firouzi, an 18-year-old naturalist, environmentalist, and advocate for conservation with eight years of research on animals and plants. Through my efforts, I have helped people of all ages and from far and wide to better understand the need to protect our environment. I’m writing to you to share some of our most recent achievements!
We conducted an annual art exhibition in April at my school, The Westminster School Dubai, under the direction of Ms. Rukhsana Choudhary, our head of art. Its goal was to raise awareness of how our planet is changing and to demonstrate that there is still hope. We gave this exhibition the title ‘My World’ to emphasize how equally responsible each and every one of us is for the planet.
When I was ten years old, I frequently encountered dead animal specimens in the field, most of which had perished due to human activity. Over 5,000 children experienced a new level of closeness to nature through my collection of over two hundred animal and plant specimens. I use them to teach both children and adults about the threats to global biodiversity. The children’s interest and concern clearly showed the success of our mission.
It would be an honor to hear your thoughts on these achievements. Best wishes,
Erfan Firouzi”
Amazingly, just eight days later, Erfan received a response from Sir David, expressing his admiration for the exhibition’s impact and the dedication shown by Erfan and his team. Sir David’s letter acknowledged their shared commitment to educating the public about environmental issues and inspiring future generations to take action.
Dear Erfan Firouzi,
Thank you for your letter and all you and your pupils have done to awaken people of the pressures facing our planet and what must be done to save it
Best Wishes
David Attenborough
A Mission to Rewild the World: In Erfan’s Words
Reflecting on the exhibition’s success, Erfan remarked:
“I believe that in order to understand something, we must first be able to relate to it. This understanding comes from curiosity. No matter the number of people, if even one person is inspired, it can create a huge impact. Children have lost their connection with nature, and we must help them reconnect with the wild world. Together, we can REWILD the world.
We worked hard to make this exhibition unique, a story that included every student, from the youngest to the eldest. Every piece of art was infused with meaning and purpose, reminding us that we are nature, and we must protect nature.”
“My World” stands as a landmark event in the ongoing mission to raise environmental awareness through creativity and community. This exhibition not only brought children closer to nature but also inspired them to become guardians of the planet, echoing Erfan’s vision of a world where everyone can play a role in safeguarding the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
