Kieran Wardle
Edmund Rice College
SENTIENT
Photomedia
Printing paper
Representing pets at their most vulnerable moments, Sentient is an intimate body of work that investigates the intricate interplay between vulnerability and resilience. It illustrates the unique bond that we have with our pets, incorporating a tender softness to examine our closest companions in circumstances that are rarely seen. With its subjects photographed in a fragile state, the work conveys the vet' sense of care and meticulous attention to detail. The work is an intersection between the world of photomedia, the collective experience of love for your companion and a subtle enquiry into the world of science.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Mogens Trolle, The Pose; Majed Ali, Reflection.
Marker's Commentary
This evocative photo essay transports the audience into the inner workings of a veterinary clinic, revealing the profound and real-life vulnerability of animals undergoing surgery. The series begins by situating us within the clinic, immediately drawing attention to an empty operating table prepared for its first patient. The raw vulnerability is captured in the eyes of the animals as they await their turn with quiet patience. The strategic use of dramatic lighting underscores the clinical environment and highlights the surgeon's skill and expertise. Observing these animals in surgery highlights their powerlessness in these moments and, paradoxically, their remarkable resilience.
The technical mastery and excellent camera craft demonstrated throughout the series amplifies the emotional impact and storytelling within each image. The photographer's sophisticated understanding of composition and points of view, considered low-key lighting and timing creates a powerful documentary narrative that not only records moments of life but also evokes deep empathy and reflection.