I began drawing the Western Lowland Gorillas in 1994 at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston while a student at Mass College of Art. I have continued to draw and paint these gorillas for the last 30 years. It has changed my life profoundly and influences all my work. Through observing these majestic beings—so similar yet distinct from us—I’ve come to realize the depth of their emotional intelligence, their familial bonds, and their quiet, powerful presence. As my understanding of these creatures has deepened, so too has my reflection on the human condition.
Now, in the age of AI, I seriously contemplate how humans are becoming the new gorillas—observed, studied, and often overshadowed by the very systems we’ve created. The rapid advancements in technology raise the question of what it means to be human in a world that is increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
I hope that our life spark—our spirit, emotions, and intelligence—will not simply become artifacts to be preserved, studied, and classified like an endangered species, but rather something that is cherished and honored. As we evolve alongside machines, it is my deepest wish that we remember the value of our human essence, much like the gorillas I have spent my life studying, drawing, and learning from.
To See the all the Drawings and Paintings
Go to: www.apedrawingproject.com
