‘Ashes
and Snow’ showcases humans, animals
in harmony
By Lauren Williams
Online Forty-Niner
Assistant Opinion Editor
Two overwhelming buildings constructed out of train cars and waterproof tarps
may seem like an unlikely place to hold an exhibition encouraging tranquility
and peace, but within these massive edifices lies an important and moving art
exhibition, “Ashes and Snow.”
The “Ashes and Snow” exhibit features photographs of people from
all stages in life, from toddlers to the elderly, cooperating and coexisting
with a plethora of wild animals, including hyenas, elephants, apes and whales.
Despite its harsh, abrasive appearance outside, the atmosphere within the nomadic
museum is both intimate and welcoming. Smooth black stones adorn either side
of a long, narrow wooden walkway that stretches the length of the 56,000 square
foot buildings. The photographs are hung from the ceiling on large pieces of
cloth, which creates a soft, natural effect.
Because all the photos have been taken in sepia format, many of the common discriminatory
qualities are eliminated. The focus is on the interaction between the animals
and people.
Also, by using sepia, the distinction between human and animal is blurred. The
similarities between people and animals are emphasized, creating the impression
those animals and humans are not different and coexistence is possible.
The pieces do not feature people with their pets, but rather people and wild
animals interacting peacefully, without conflict.
The idea of non-resistance, and allowing the animals to move freely and without
restriction is another predominant concept that challenges the existing beliefs
about relations between humans and animals. The “Ashes to Snow” exhibit
does not show giant suburbs infringing on wild animal habitats or people forcing
animals to behave a certain way. The emphasis is on allowing the animals to behave
naturally. In many cases if animals are allowed to act naturally they will respond
peacefully and conflicts usually occur when animals feel threatened. This exhibit
encourages people to look at new ways of behaving with animals.
The exhibit is an ongoing project for photographer Gregory Colbert, who continues
to visit exotic regions of various countries and display the peaceful interaction
between animals and humans. Since he began his project, Colbert has made 30 trips
to different countries including Antarctica, Burma, Egypt, Tonga, Sri Lanka,
Namibia, India, Kenya, the Azores and Borneo. The exhibit has been shown around
the world, beginning in Venice, Italy.
The architect who designed the behemoth buildings housing the exhibit is Shigeru
Ban, who has joined Colbert in recreating the museum as it travels the world.
The exhibit is not only an artistic display of beauty and grace, but also an
essential work that speaks to the most basic part of the human spirit and can
be appreciated by everyone. The exhibit is located right off the Santa Monica
Pier and will remain there until May 14, when it will continue on its journey
around the world.
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