the silence of dogs in cars by martin usborne

‘the silence of dogs’ in cars by martin usborneprospero 2, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

martin usbornethe little black gallery, londonmarch 19th to april 27th, 2013

influenced by a childhood memory of waiting in a car whilst his parents were shopping in a supermarket, london-based artist martin usborne’s photographs focus on the ever-curious relationship between humans and other animals. the project titled ‘the silence of dogs in cars’ captures usborne’s expressive fear of being alone and unheard. documented in a series of portraits, the collection of images re-visits the scenario of experiencing what the artist couldn’t bear as a child –  highlighting the many subtle reactions by dogs being left locked inside a vehicle: some sad, some expectant, some angry, some dejected.

‘I was once left in a car at a young age. I don’t know when or where or for how long, possibly at the age of four, perhaps outside a supermarket, probably for fifteen minutes only,’ says usborne, ‘the details don’t matter. the point is that I wondered if anyone would come back. the fear I felt was strong: in a child’s mind it is possible to be alone forever.’

dasher, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

margaux, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

prospero, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

hector, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

burt, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

milo, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne

pico, 201224” x 36” C type printedition of 10image © martin usborne