Wolves From Above portrays wolves in a way that departs from traditional depictions of these wild animals that often focus on pack hierarchy and aggressive behaviour. A pack of wolves was filmed with a drone from a bird's-eye view in one continuous take. The wolves communicate with one another: they sniff and lick each other and lift their inquisitive eyes towards the camera, but humans can only speculate about the meaning of their communication. The hovering video installation beckons visitors to position themselves under the lupine gaze, which offers an intimate moment of encounter.
Demelza Kooij is interested in the representation and subjectivity of animals. She explores how different forms of animal representation in art influence the way humans experience other creatures. She creates artistic experiences that challenge negative attitudes towards animals and promote healthier relationships between humans and other organisms.
Demelza Kooij (b. 1985) is a Dutch artist, filmmaker, and Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland.
