ZOO

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The zoo, once seen as the realm of innocent childhood treats, has more recently become controversial. Do we, as sentient beings, have the right to confine other sentient beings behind bars, depriving them of their freedom, their natural pleasures and their chance to roam? Is the intention of zoos to satisfy our voyeuristic inclinations or to act as an essential part of conservation efforts?Britta Jaschinski's exquisite photographs are not meant explicitly to answer any questions - but they do make us think. They owe their inspiration to portraiture rather than documentation, creating an atmosphere rather than making a statement. Shrouded in darkness, dimly seen, the animals in these photographs have a shadowy, almost enigmatic, presence that excites our curiosity and draws us in. Our glimpses of them tend to be partial, fragmentary - from a furry hand gripping an iron bar to sea lions floating just below the surface of a pool. Polar bears stare from a rocky stage, a zebra stands stock still and quiet. All of them have a melancholy dignity, commanding a sense of respect in the viewer which is tinged with unease.Jaschinski's involvement and empathy is evident throughout but she never allows it to intrude. Instead she has given us an arresting series of pictures and created a beautiful and important book.