Sophie Kate Morton

Artist Statement

I am a multimedia artist interested in the exploration of relationships between humans and animals living in urban environments. My work investigates the idea of the anthropocentric era of supposed human dominion, capturing both the participation of the subject animals and how they can be manipulated through human intervention. They exploit our own behaviours of superiority whilst also being exploited themselves.

This idea of manipulation is something that I have explored across a series of video pieces, in which I coax various animals into the frame using the lure of food. Throughout these videos, the animal is a precarious participant, simultaneously willing yet unwitting in its role in the work. I am forcing an interaction between human and animal, one that is clouded by the uncertainty of the relationship that we now have.

My sculptural pieces take a more confrontational approach, employing the use of fur and non-traditional taxidermy. The use of such forcefully re-situates the animal into our environment, providing a counterpoint to my films, encouraging a critical conversation about our awareness of the animal and our ideas of nature.

The human-animal relationship is one which exists in a state of constant flux, and with my practice it is my aim to chart the narrative of its ongoing development. Through my works I am continiously questioning and investigating the obscure relationship that we have with these beings.