It is only a few people who are able to endure the arrows, bows and other obstacles that lie in the way of truth. It takes
It takes courage to let go of the myths and face the cold heart reality. Photographer Colleen Plumb This path was chosen many years ago to better understand the relationship that man and animal share.
Then God said, “Let us create human beings after our likeness. Genesis 1:26 said, “Let them have dominion of all animals on earth, including the fish in the sea, birds of the sky, tame and wild animals.
In her first book The Animals Are Outside Today, Plumb explores the complex intersections of the animal world and the human one, often for the worse. Over time, the origins of stories, symbols, and rituals have been lost, allowing predatory and opportunistic behavior to flourish.
Plumb’s journey to understanding led her to discover that animals can communicate with us, if we only listen to their language. Plumb’s video project 30 Times a Minute documented the behavior of captive elephants living in zoos all over the world. They responded to stress by rocking and swinging, as well as swaying their heads.
These repetitive, compulsive movements, which cause life-threatening, debilitating damage to the feet and joints, are referred to by biologists as stereotypic behaviors, only seen in animals in captivity. These behaviors are a way to cope with the constant stress of having to live as a spectacle for the public in confined spaces that are too small to function normally.
Thirty times a minute depicts the tragic images of silent pain, the slow and horrific destruction of elephants’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Plumb realized quickly that by creating public video installations, she could engage people who might not have discovered her work in the art world. She became hooked and took Thirty times a Minute to cities all over the world, showing it 70+ times.
Plumb was inspired by the success of Twenty Times a minute to continue on her journey, realizing that elephants are just one animal trapped in a cycle of endless suffering. She travelled to zoos in the United States and Europe to film animals from all walks. Lions, tigers and bears were just a few of the creatures she filmed.
Plumb positioned her tripod, and began filming. She was not only watching the animals, but also the people who were there to watch. Some people did not notice the animals’ pain, but others were able to understand it. Plumb is very careful to convey and amplify the language of distress and trauma, whether he’s documenting gorillas or alligators, in Paris or Detroit.
‘Path Infinitum is the result of her journey. It was projected onto a 16×22 ft. plexiglass entrance to The Photographic Show presented by AIPAD on Pier 94 in New York. Plumb describes path Infinitum a “barometer for empathy”, understanding that some people won’t see what is going on.
We see majestic creatures such as jaguars and orangutans pacing and circling or rocking and bobbing their heads. These behaviors are caused by despondency due to an inability to perform the activities they were created to do. Plumb’s focus on these behaviors forces us to acknowledge that neurosis does not exist and our role in it.
The Path Infinitum questions our assumptions about captivity, and the costs it exacts on those whose lives it is supposed to protect. The work also explores our consumption habits, and asks us to examine what drives and desires these have produced. This work is a good place to start, as it asks us to recognize the philosophical foundations of our beliefs. Why do we have to cling on to ideologies which cause destruction and harm? Why is commercialization necessary for conservation? Why do we keep on traveling if the road to hell is paved in good intentions?
Art’s greater purpose is made more apparent when we follow the path of truth. Plumb’s compassion becomes a tool for inquiring that is both subtle and profound. It allows viewers to learn only what their hearts will allow. We can see that Plumb gives voice to those with the ability to communicate through body language when we stop and look. We do not have to walk the road of truth alone, even though it never ends.