One image can be so powerful – able to elicit strong emotions and social awareness in an instant. Consider this project by a photographer who portraits elderly animals with a Hasselblad as a way to cope with her own mother having Alzheimer’s. The photographs she created are profound and heart wrenching, a unique look into aging with subjects we oftentimes overlook. Click through the tabs above to see some of her evocative images.
The photographer’s name is Isa Leshko, and this is what she has to say about the “Elderly Animals” project on her website:
“I am creating these photographs to gain a deeper understanding about what it means to be mortal and to exorcise my fears of aging. I have come to realize that these images are self-portraits, or at the very least, they are manifestations of my fears and hopes about what I will be like when I am old. My intention is to take an honest and unflinching look at old age and I want these images to inspire others to become aware of and to engage with their own attitudes toward aging and mortality.”
Visit Leshko’s website here: http://isaleshko.com and watch the documentary about her project here: Elderly Animals on Vimeo.
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All images by Isa Leshko
I was very moved by Isa Leshko’s project and her compelling images. Too often, animals are ignored, mistreated or simply put down when they get old… Leshko’s images show the humanity, character and personality of her subjects – if only we could all look so compassionately upon the aged…
Very well shot, shows the beauty of their age 😉
Profoundly fantastic.
I myself am the owner of an old dog (12) and everyday, when I see him face a new challenge (a new set of stairs, a loud startling noise, too much sun or not enough speed to catch that falling piece of food), I wonder who will take care of me when I get as old as he his.
Animals have a lot to teach us, even as they age.
Excellent find. It is interesting how our perpectives and appreciation of aging and the elderly change. For example, the elderly are frightening to my 3Y old daughter, and then as we age we witness our loved ones who were our heros fade to the physically and/or mentally frail elderly person that is only a shadow of the person in our minds eye. With that we gain even more appreciation for them and life for what it is.
I love this! Respect thy elders.