Adaptation, response, reproduction, growth, development, energy, cells; characteristics of those defined as living things. Where does the hierarchy of living things begin? Is it necessary to believe one living thing is inferior to another? And if so, who decides?
Analogous is a series of photographs that question the hierarchy of the living. I do not believe that one living being should be given the gift of almightiness, or be able to overshadow the billions of life forms. All living things, from the wasp to the whale, have unique properties that may not exist in other living creatures and thus should not be set aside and announced insignificant. Everyday a new technological advancement is being made, which heightens the human ego. The human race, as a majority, has allowed themselves to believe they are the almighty species. Equipped with weapons of war, technology, and opposable thumbs humans are able to erase a entire species if allowed. In the past 50 years, humans have been responsible for the extinction of many living beings such as the Caribbean Monk Seal, Javan Tiger, Baiji River Dolphin, West African Black Rhino, Japanese Sea Lion. These acts of destruction showcases just how almighty the human race views themselves, as well as how insignificant the view life. Animal life is not alone in the intolerance, plant life has also been declared inferior. Forests, full of thousands of unique life forms, are constantly being destroyed for commercial use. Life of the human race is not superior to other life forms. Without human beings, the world would continue. Other livings beings do not rely on humans; the environment is self-serviced. On the other hand, human life would be non-existent without the billions of other living beings. The photographs in Analogous combine human life with other living beings, showcasing my view on how reliant the human species must be with every living being.
Brittany Gibson, 2010
