I’ve read that viewers of this series look for similarities in the face and posture of the human and of the animal; a reflection between the two creatures. While I often think this is fun and engaging, I appreciate something else that is going on in these pictures. In his statement, the artist expresses, “[It’s] interesting that with confidence of the dog at their side, people offer you a glimpse into their lives that they would not normally allow; making private become public, where once they would feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.” It appears that the dog does indeed provide comfort and companionship, but also pride and self-assurance. The human subject is not quite sitting with a friend, and not quite showing off a trophy; it’s something in between, or perhaps entirely different. I think we as humans do not have a relationship with any other animal like the one we have with the dog.
“Having my wife die just over a year ago the farm has been left to me and Spartacus.”
After having his last dog put down by the police because of violent behaviour towards them, Clive was allowed to keep just one dog, Milly. She belonged [to] his father who was seriously ill.
A proud mum of twelve six day old puppies
“Taffy walks for four hours, some days I tell him we can only go for three when I get tired.”
From “Companions”
Visit artist's site: joshbryant.co.uk
Found via: Feature Shoot
Posted October 10th, 2013
