Isabella Crawford

My art explores the complexities of dog ownership, which can simultaneously provide great joy and fulfilment while also reflecting the harsh realities of inequality and hardship. While some are fortunate enough to be able to provide their pets with love, care, and companionship, others must face the difficult verdict of giving up their dogs due to social, financial, or mental health challenges. Throughout my work, I aim to interpret these differences and spark conversations about the larger social divides that exist presently. I believe that by examining the duality of dog ownership, I hope to shed light on these current and ever-present issues surrounding dogs and society's values and priorities. 

Investigating these ideas of privilege through close-up photographs of owners and their dogs, manifested in curated and intimate images. Hand-picked clothing, complimenting the dog's fur, created portraits with fluid, clean lines distinguishing the different breeds from the people who made up my project. They became almost their own landscapes, unfamiliar yet familiar, with the ability to liken one of the 16 images to your own dog. I want my work to make dog owners reflect on their own privilege of being able to sustainably look after their dogs.

I contrast these highly stylised and glamorised photographs within my project, by replicating the difficult reality for many with documentary black and white images. Representing what is happening in the now rather than creating a pitiful narrative within these images was imperative. Reflected in the raw and honest representation of what the lives of these dogs are like, paired with the representation of the training and programmes that are set up for the benefit of these dogs. Rounded off my investigation into the exploration of the dichotomy of owning these animals in our modern world.