THE SAVIOURS’ ARMY
RHINO DISHARMONY AND LALELA PROJECT
FEATURED IN AT LARGE MAGAZINE ISSUE 21
WORDS BY TANITA MEHTA
The Saviours' Army: Rhino Disharmony's Stand Against Poaching
Art As a Tool For Awareness and ChangeIn 2014, misfortune struck the Greater Kruger as another innocent rhino fell victim to the onslaught of poaching brought on by the demand for illegal horns. Marion Geiger-Orengo and Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière, witnessing the brutality against these magnificent creatures on their doorstep, were compelled to act. They founded Rhino Disharmony—an unconventional response to a crisis that demands an unconventional solution.
Recognizing the power of art to transcend the borders of language and culture, Rhino Disharmony wields art as a weapon against the relentless rhino poaching crisis. From visual campaigns to awareness events, Rhino Disharmony aims to reshape perceptions and build awareness around rhino horn consumption as a major contributor to the species' endangerment and decline. By mobilizing art and community, the initiative appeals directly to the user, focusing its efforts on the very source of the demand. Their approach involves collaborating with companies, creatives, and communities to amplify the voice against rhino poaching.
An offshoot of Rhino Disharmony, The Saviours' Army is an antithesis to the traditional army—a peaceful force working against the violence of rhino poaching. A legion of artists, creatives, and communities dedicate themselves to saving lives rather than taking them, protecting rhinos at all costs.
Rhino Disharmony operates out of the Greater Kruger, alongside the Kruger National Park and private reserves like Umbabat and Timbavati. The rhino population in the Kruger has dwindled by nearly 80% since 2014, signalling an urgent need for action. South Africa is home to more than half of the 23,290 rhinos that remain in Africa. It is also where a large share of poaching incidents occurs, making it the primary battleground for the survival of these creatures.
Leading with a strong community focus, the organization works on various fronts, from educating and building awareness among rhino horn consumers to funding anti-poaching initiatives and collaborating with creatives to communicate the devastating gravity of poaching.
Rhino Disharmony consistently cooperates with various organizations and individuals, most recently with Lalela—an educational arts program for youth from under-resourced communities across South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Through art, Lalela aims to inspire a new generation of leaders and foster a connection between creativity and active citizenship. In a project focussed on conservation and our collective responsibility to the earth we inhabit, Lalela worked with their learners to produce a collection of scarves that celebrates the beauty of the rhino.
As they continue to raise awareness and fight for the survival of this enigmatic species, Rhino Disharmony remains an inspiring example of how art and fashion can be powerful agents of change in the face of environmental crises.
ABOUT
Driven by her upbringing in South Africa and studies in Media and Sustainability, Tanita's visual and physical explorations are guided by a deep sense of intention. This is infused with an artistic lens from her years of painting, uniting formal elements of art with environmental and social theory.
Art Direction
Conceptualising and directing documentary-style editorials that aim to reimagine sustainability, while collaborating with designers, photographers, and stylists both locally and abroad.
Travel Journal
Inspiring a conscious mindset. Documenting destinations and experiences that benefit both the traveller and local communities.