Animalism

I went to the National Media Museum a few weeks ago which is located in Bradford in West Yorkshire - it is well-known for the Imax Cinema. There was a photography exhibition on called 'Animalism'. I really enjoyed this exhibition. It was a variety of different photographers work. I really like animals- I think they are amazing to see aesthetically and in nature.

There was something written on the wall of the exhibition which made me think:

'Our visually driven society tends to give animals human characteristics to make them seem more like us. This exhibition, however, considers the animal gaze and the ways in which animals see us, quite simply, as other animals, rather than distinctly and uniquely human.' 

I do that. I can really only understand my own mind and the way humans think - not in a scientific way - just the way we all can. I don't really understand what animals are 'thinking'. I know they run on instinct but I do tend to see animals to be like myself. 

There are two cats that live in the area that come and visit the house. When I walk past them in the street and they are alone I feel like they might be experiencing loneliness. I see their life and I feel like it is lonely because I know they like attention and being fussed over. I've been lonely before and I feel like if I was in their position, I would feel unhappy. Yes this is ridiculous. I don't think animals feel loneliness but I still feel a pang in my stomach. I don't like to see them sitting alone.

I dislike birds in cages and I feel sad when I see leads digging into dog's necks because they want to run so fast but can't. Dogs needs to be on leads for their safety in the man-made world and so they don't run away, and I think dogs might actually like leads and feeling like they have an owner but many dogs want to run so fast and never get the chance.

I'm probably sounding insane now. I just tend to empathize with animals from a human's point of view.

Here are a few images that were in the exhibition by the photographer Pieter Hugo called 'THE HYENA AND OTHER MEN' and I as a person who likes to see fluffy lil animals looking cute n hapi found this quite haunting and brutal:

P.S  The exhibition is running til the 27th of September.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Baby Pigeons

I was in a discussion with someone and it raised the thought in my head that I've never seen a baby pigeon. I have thought about this previously but never thought to discover what they look like or discover why I have never seen them. For things like this, it makes the internet amazing. Before internet, I would have had to search libraries for a book about them but now everything I need to know is at the end of my fingertips.

Pigeons are outcasts in society. Eating whatever they find, being chased by kids, and you, or at least I always see a few limping or with broken wings. No one wants to touch them and you're meant to stay away because they're filthy.

Now I have seen the featured picture I know what they look like...they look a bit strange and pathetically cute to be honest...but I suppose humans are a bit weird too when they are first born.

Well the second thought I had has been addressed: why do you never see baby pigeons? Thinking about it, it's so obvious! I mean, I wouldn't let my own child go parading the streets alone as a baby and pigeons can't afford prams. Also when I first got my cat, I wouldn't let her out of the house til she was 1! And again, I never see any other baby animals out and about. I suppose it's just that people don't associate baby pigeons with 'cuteness' or even as an interesting creature, they're vermin. They aren't on birthday cards or tv shows or kept in incubators so little children can see how they grow...

This is from the Guardian website which is quite interesting and informative:

Why do you never see baby pigeons?

Amy Boughton, London, UK

• Because you haven't looked in the right place. They are in the nest making feathers which will give them the appearance of an adult pigeon. Young pigeons, or squabs, make a very tasty food which was much more popular in past centuries when dovecotes were constructed to encourage pigeons to nest and provide meat.
  Richard Avery, Seville, Spain

• This is one of those questions that gets repeated all the time without anyone ever actually thinking about it very hard. Pigeons don't fledge (leave the nest) until they are almost adult-sized and those that don't know what to look for can't tell a baby pigeon from an adult one. In the case of Woodpigeons (the fat ones that you see on your lawn), the young ones are those without a white flash on the neck. I saw one last night, actually, whilst having dinner in my garden. You'll probably see them everywhere now you know what they look like.
  Max Wurr, Stanmore, United Kingdom

• I once saw one that fell out of its nest during heavy winds and an uglier monstrosity you will never see.
  Chris Steele, Linton, England

On a final note, this song reminds me of the sadness of pigeons:

Hedgehog Happenings

The only thoughts and things interesting enough to write about are animal-related.

Alfie popped over today, having a roam about my room and a nap on the windowsill. I like how he comes over to get some peace and quiet and to relax. Alfie is a lovely creature specifically but I generally enjoy the company of cats because there is no judgement and no expectation, and all they want is a sleep, some food and to be stroked. So simple and easy. So pleasant and delightful.




Also, there is a local hedgehog who I have only come across recently. I came home one night a few weeks ago to discover the hedgehog munching on some cat biscuits that were left outside, and then it ran away rather quickly! I saw the hedgehog again earlier today. I managed to take a picture and the hedgehog was acting strange as it was so still and staring in one spot for ages...Polly was prancing around in the background, the hedgehog didn't seem to mind.