Given the option, I prefer the company of animals to that of humans. Animals don't whine, bitch, lie, back stab, or let you down. Another advantage they have over people is how photogenic they are as evidenced in Esko Mannikko's gorgeous photos from his series Harmony Sisters currently on view at Yancey Richardson.
Begun in 2005, the series features "intimate photographic portraits of domestic and wild animals, including horses, cows, dogs, monkeys, and birds, taken near the artist's home in northern Finland or in zoos in Europe," (from show's press release). "Tightly composed and closely cropped, Mannikko's highly detailed renderings of swirling fur, fleshy tongues, wrinkled muzzles and glistening eyes approach beauty while bordering on the grotesque," and clearly demonstrate the artist's "deep and respectful relationship with nature and his subjects."
Mannikko specially made wooden frames to elegantly display his photographs and "comment ironically on photography's relationship to painting." The up close and personal shots are packed with rich details and colors. The zoomed in images of eyes intensely staring back at the viewer are surreal and slightly unsettling. The partnership of Mannikko's unique vision and skill along with his subjects' natural beauty and dignity is most definitely a harmonious one. Learn more at Yanceyrichardson.com. Through April 10th.
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
Untitled, from the series Harmony Sisters
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