Species inequality, the undesirable “wildness of nature” and the consequences of a romanticized dualism woman/nature in western culture are topics Daniela&Linda Dostálková introduce in the exhibition Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With. The series of photographs and looped videos might also, from their point of view, perform as an activist campaign. They examine the complex problems faced today by animal welfare activists, the strategies of persuasion of their campaigns, and the visual language they draw on.

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 2020
Video Series – loop

Protagonist: Eliška Vondráková
DOP: Patrik Hoznauer
Costumes: Archive of the National Theatre in Prague
Post-production: Tereza Boturová

shuld haue be buryed, aftir my lyf naturel expired, 2019
Series of Photographs on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, 70 x 100 cm

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 01 (Rabbit Fur), 02 (Wire Trousers) from the series of 10 videos, 2020

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 03 (Silver Suit), 04 (Tree Costume) from the series of 10 videos, 2020

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 05 (Beige Cape), 06 (Frog Jumpsuit) from the series of 10 videos, 2020

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 07 (Leather Dress), 08 (Silver Robe) from the series of 10 videos, 2020

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 09 (Orange Robe), 10 (Black Suit) from the series of 10 videos, 2020

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, 2020
Series of photographs on Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, 70 x 100 cm

Exiled Queens, 2019
5’10”– Video loop

Protagonists: Magdaléna Borová & Essy
DOP: Tomáš Vorel
Costumes: Daniela & Linda Dostálková
Masks: Eva Svobodová
Dog-handler: Martina Vondrušková
Carving: Radka Horká & Václav Mužikovský
Post-production: Tereza Boturová

Claws Not Made to Shake Hands With, Series of Photographs, 70 x 100 cm, Fuji Crystal Archive Paper, 2020