In recent times my attention has often been focused on works that seem to converge, each in its own way, towards a point where humanity and animality cease to be perceived in a contradictory manner.
These works have a lot to say, whether it is about our cohabitation with nature, or about our identities and the links they have with our bodies.
To feed this reflection I asked three artists—Anthr0morph, Anni Puolakka and Omenmalum—how they articulate the relationship between humanity and animality in their work.
Anthr0morph
“I like to blur the lines between human and animal and reflect how biology is interconnected. We all evolved from each other and in a way are different forms of the same thing. Our DNA holds the history of so many other forms. I see the faces I create as some type of self designed exoskeleton. An exoskeleton gives shape and abilities to a body. By becoming a chimera, I explore these other types of embodiments that reflect the evolve potential of forms someone can take.”
Anni Puolakka
“In my view, humans are animals. My work reflects, amongst other issues, the need for changes in how we live amongst other species.
One of my recent projects, Oestrus, considers becoming a centaur as a way to love horses. It tells the story of a “horse girl” who has grown up to be an adult who couldn’t imagine mounting a horse. The character has physically distanced themself from horses and engages with them through fantasies of hippic transformation.”
Omenmalum
“We are a single living organism, man is a rational creature, thinking, but sometimes you need to feel and understand that an animal is sleeping in each of us. and I give the opportunity not only to others, but first of all to myself, sometimes to release this animal outside, aesthetically, according to the connections of art, sensually, beautifully and eerily at the same time.”
Interview by Charline Kirch
Featured image credits : Oestrus by Anni Puolakka at the Polansky Gallery, Prague. Photo by Jan Kolský.
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