During one of the walks in the forest, I met a herd of wild boars, among which I noticed a breeding pig. I was surprised to see her, and even more by the expression on her face as if a smile. The airiness and a vivid look, freedom, and happiness could be felt in every movement. Taking pictures in the pig refuge, I saw exactly the same as in the forest, although it was only a substitute for this wild freedom. These animals really did smile, they were just so happy.
I knew many terrible stories related to industrial breeding, but in the refuge I also heard these beautiful, breathtaking ones, about restoring to life, teaching rescued animals what wind, sky, earth, and grass are…I noticed a certain analogy between the story of Ophelia, the heroine of Shakespeare’s play „Hamlet”, and the fate of the farm animals that had been incapacitated, they had been deprived of the ability to make their own decisions.
The main inspiration for my photography was John Everett Millais’s painting „Ophelia”, showing the scene of death as an act of liberation. Ofelia Millai’s, as in Shakespeare’s play sings as she is dying. My Ophelia is a pig that escaped from breeding. Stunned by the colors, smells, and light, she fell into a forest pond. As she drowns, she smiles for the last time, looking at the sky as a happy and free being.
The photo is an allegory of the funeral of all animals from industrial farms. I strongly believe that our choices can change their fate. By reducing meat consumption, choosing farms that respect animal rights, we can really bring about change, after all, “Constant dripping hollows out a stone.” – Lucretius.
I would like to dedicate this photo to all volunteers who help animals in their drama in the „human” world.
Thanks for help: „Chrumkowo” and „Pegasus” shelters.
2021, Photography. Limited edition 8 + 2AP, print on the cotton Fine Art paper, 1850×670 mm
