This large-scale pastel drawing depicts the upper body of an elephant, in a colourful patchwork of vibrant blues and deep reds, greens, gold and grey, against a white background. The beauty of the animal’s appearance is at odds with its sad expression, and just as elephants are hunted by ivory poachers in the wild, we notice that this elephants’ tusks are absent, and its trunk painfully twisted.

Keith Purcell is learning disabled, and his artistic creations have often bought him national attention. He makes work in a variety of mediums, focusing on the animal world, patterns, and colour.

I chose this piece because I am passionate about animal rights and welfare. I also enjoyed the colourful blend of rich colours.