Year project - "Kahu"

This project is an evolution from another project I started earlier this year where I was looking at ways to capture the relationship between the contemporary youth and their furry companions. For the year project however, I wanted to include more people from different walks of life.

 

I have always been fascinated by the unique personalities of different animals and I appreciate their ability to always make me smile. My love for animals has been an integral part of my life and has taught me about the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness.

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I had seen similar images of owners being compared to their pets, but never something as imaginative as this.

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The work is titled Kahu. Kahu is a Hawaiian word that can mean the following; honored attendant, guardian, nurse, keeper of ʻunihipili bones, regent, keeper, administrator, warden, caretaker, master, mistress; pastor, minister, reverend, or preacher of a church; one who has a dog, cat, pig, or other pet. To me the title fits the work perfectly as it moves away from the Western notion of owning a pet rather than living with them in harmony.

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