Pedigree

Within this body of work, images paired with narratives or wording are used to set a scene. There are discretely highlighted aspects of abuse within the horse-racing industry, one of which is how negative space is utilized around the main subjects, (the horses). This emphasizes how isolating it can be to be stuck in an abusive situation that is actively being hidden. The horses are rendered in a realistic, yet sketchy style that showcases the sick and fleshy aspects of their bodies, hinting at their mistreatment. The use of charcoal and colored pencil within these pieces accentuates the gestures of the horses’ bodies, ranging from fragility, resistance, frozenness and/or stoicness, which are often responses to fear. The color palette chosen within these pieces are naked, being a limited range of natural tones. This puts a spotlight on the sadness and emptiness of these heavy themes. Through these elements, “Pedigree” showcases the abuse within the horse-racing industry and makes it digestible through the art of drawing.