Artist Marina Antonova documents extreme heat in Paris through illustrations
Illustrator Marina Antonova showcased how record-breaking summer heatwaves affected Paris and the homeless population through a digital illustration series.
The devastating impacts of record-breaking summer heatwaves in France on Paris and its homeless population have been documented in illustrator Marina Antonova's digital illustration series titled 'Chronicles of a Warming Planet'.
Chronicles of a Warming Planet Series
Illustrator Marina Antonova continues her work for her new series titled 'Chronicles of a Warming Planet' in the town of Beaumont-les-Valence in southern France.
While Paris welcomes cool autumn days after months of stifling heat, the extreme temperatures of the summer months continue to linger in memories and the artist's works.
Severe Conditions Faced by the Homeless
While Paris is admired worldwide for its aesthetic beauty, temperatures in the city soared to record highs, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
In her prepared illustration series, Antonova focuses on the city under intense heat stress and the severe impact of this situation on the homeless.
New Challenges Brought by the Seasons
The artist stated that the heatwave made the situation much worse, and that winter is normally the most difficult period for the homeless.
Antonova expressed that they are now faced with a picture where both winter and summer are extremely horrifying.
The Artist's Personal Experience
Having moved from Russia to France four years ago and struggling with temporary accommodation conditions, Antonova shares a deep connection with the suffering of the homeless.
The artist chose an acid-yellow tone in her drawings to reflect the aggressive and dangerous nature of the crushing sun.
Wildfires and Loss of Life
Antonova's works also feature landscapes of disoriented wildlife and burning forests.
In July, wildfires broke out across southern Europe on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest and near Bordeaux.
The Reality of Climate Change
According to data from the national public health agency, France recorded at least 7,200 more deaths than usual during the successive heatwaves this year.
Antonova describes these works, which document the already existing reality of climate change, as Paris's 'anti-postcards'.