I drew two sets of four hyena drawings to learn about the movement of the skeleton of the spotted hyena (Crocuta Crocuta) as an ongoing investigation into misunderstood behaviour of these animals. The drawings were done in preparation for new minimalist sculptures which studies the clans’ interactions. Of particular significance in these miniature studies are the spines, how the spine holds the skeleton. The artist drew these drawings two weeks after an emergency spinal surgery on her own spine, caused by Cauda Equina syndrome. Cauda Equina is a rare disorder that can cause paralysis because of an obstruction compressing the spinal nerve roots, which is referred to as The Horse’s Tail.
Coetzee urges viewers to consider their own impact on nature and to rethink how mankind will live well in the future.