Animal Planet

(ongoing project)

Understanding what means to be human is impossible without looking at our relationship with animals. From ancient drawings in caves and the symbolism of zodiac signs to agriculture tozoos and pets, animals have been part of human imagination. This reflection on our ability to connect with sentient life and derive a symbolic meaning from it distinguishes us as species. The instant, non-verbal communication of the animal gaze has a somewhat spiritual quality, albeit often with unequal balance of power, acting as a mirror to prompt a deeper understanding of ourselves and what we value.

Text by Irina Gyurcheva