Yana Wernicke
German photographer Yana Wernicke received a grant for “On Finding Solace,” a moving-image work focusing on rescued animals at sanctuaries in Germany. The work explores the idea of solace between humans and animals. Yana’s aim was to film the close physical interactions between the animals and their caretakers to tell of their mutual comforting. She also planned to film various other sequences, such as of animals slowly falling asleep, when their sheltered existence allows them to experience the absence of fear.
Since receiving her grant, Yana has visited five animal sanctuaries across Germany, and is now focusing solely on images of cows sleeping. (For another image, click here.) In 2025, she will consolidate those images into “On Finding Solace.”
Yana’s focus on human-animal relationships emerging in sanctuaries is shared by photographer Patrik López Jaimes and architect Rebecca Shen, who showcase the agency of rescued animals in these privileged spaces.
Photo of Yana Wernicke: Jonas Feige.