“Animals offer humans a kind of community that is different from any form of human exchange. Different because it is a community that counters the loneliness of humans as a species.”— John Berger, Why Look at Animals

In his writings, John Berger reflected on humanity’s longing for deeper connection—with other living beings and with a shared ecological identity. This project follows Rosina and Julie, two young women who form close bonds with animals—animals that are typically viewed only through the lens of utility or economics.

“I was deeply moved by their commitment to rescuing animals from certain death and protecting them, even at personal risk. I wanted to capture the way they connect—through sound, touch, and intuition. My work reflects the longing for non-human connection and hopes to inspire new ways of living together with all beings,” says the artist.

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Yana Wernicke (born 1990) is a photographer from the Frankfurt am Main region. Her work focuses on the representation of animals and the complex relationships between humans, nature, and other living beings. Together with Jonas Feige, she created the project Zenker, published in 2021 by Edition Patrick Frey. In 2023, her book Companions was released by Loose Joints—a sensitive portrait of two young women who rescued animals from slaughter.