claim: A photograph shows a kayak near a pod of orca whales.
origin: An idyllic-looking image of a kayaker among a pod of orca whales is frequently circulated online as if it were a genuine photograph: In fact, the image is a painting called â€œAcceptanceâ€ by artist Christopher Walker.Â Twitter accounts such as â€œWow Pics of Lifeâ€ that posted the painting cropped out the artistâ€™s signature, which can be seen in the full-size version on the web site â€œArt Country Canadaâ€œ: Several of Walkerâ€™s paintings feature orca whales and other marine life. Here are look at a similar painting called â€œBalanceâ€: Walker says of his work: < â€œThe force which binds my concepts as a perceptual realist stems from myÂ observations of contemporary human civilization and its relevance to the natural world. All subjects are bound together with metaphoric juxtaposition to render an enigmatic association giving the narrative of each image aÂ subjective conclusion. The intent is to create a neutral platform of descriptionÂ as to the statement being made within the composition. My interest in environmental sciences has always been the nucleus on myÂ creativity. I base my artistic expression on what I have experienced on this subject as well as combining the contemporary condition of human civilization in the 21st century. My goal is to depict human relevance toÂ the environment from the perspective of modern cultureâ€ > Images of orcas are popular on the internet, though it can be difficult to discern which ones are authentic. In the past, weâ€™ve covered images showing Orcas jumping surprisingly high out of the water (true), a killer whale snatching an unsuspecting beach-goer from the shore (false), and an orca attacking a bear from a fresh water river (also false.)