Black and White Symbolic Fine Art Photos: “Anthropomorphism”

Although Anthropomorphism has many common explanations, it is mainly the attribution of human behavioral or morphological characteristics of animals. As professional wildlife photographer, I am passionate about monkeys. In certain species such as geladas, colobus or vervet monkeys, I tend to find strange morphological or behavioral similarities to humans. Fascinated by their attitudes, I spend hours watching them interact in groups.

In this collection, I chose the « shades of blacks and whites«  style to better focus on these similarities. Eyes, hands, and body language translate many emotions and feelings that human beings are capable of, and I perceive this discovery as both fascinating and confusing. Despite these similarities, I am aware that it is certainly my imagination that plays tricks on me and that an animal remains above all things, an animal. The reaction of a wild animal is totally unpredictable. I often choose to display a primary anthropomorphism, which I also refer to as simply « primary ». Nevertheless, I am constantly aware of myself, the subject being photographed, and the environment. I take precautions to stay away from the animal’s safe area; I take no risks.

There is a certain fact which I will not dispute; we certainly seem to have evolved from a sort of monkey. The similarities in behavior are far too visible and disturbing in some species.