Research Catalog

Title

The glass between us : reflections on urban creatures / photographs and writings by Rebecca Norris Webb.

Author

Webb, Rebecca Norris

Publication

• New York : Channel Photographics, [2006]
• Gardena, CA : Distributed by SCB Distributors.
• ©2006

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

98 pages : chiefly color illustrations; 21 x 29 cm

Summary

"Seven years ago, Rebecca Norris Webb wandered into the Coney Island aquarium, and spotted a white beluga whale soaring high above the heads of visitors, who were reflected in the glass tank. Thus began her exploration of the complex and vulnerable relationship that exists between people and animals in cities. Since the, Webb has photographed in some 25 cities around the world, often viewing creatures through some sort of transparent barrier, such as the glass tanks in aquariums, the specimen cases in natural history museums, or the plexiglas walls of monkey houses. Webb expertly captures not only the animal in its urban habitat, but also the reflection of the onlookers as they try to get a little bit closer, creating a richly layered image where captive animals equally captivate their audience, who peer into the glass with wonderment, empathy, delight, and humor. Her photographs convey both a sense of connection and isolation, intimacy and distance. The surroundings vary from street scenes to zoo walls painted with landscapes that simulate a natural habitat. Though Webb touches ever so lightly on the ethics of the caged condition, she offers it up as part of a larger reflection on the engagement between the animal world and human one. Throughout, Webb shows us that in a certain light, the glass between us can be a window, a wall, and a mirror." -- Book jacket

Alternative Title

Reflections on urban creatures

Subjects

• Photography, Artistic
• Photography of animals

Genre/Form

Pictorial works.

ISBN

• 0976670887
• 9780976670889

OCLC

• ocm71788853
• 71788853
• SCSB-1397595

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library