Fish, Dogs & Old Men

Whether taking a portrait of a monkey behind a glass screen at a zoo or a family living on the outskirts of society with no electricity, Esko Männikkö's images show a respect and understanding for the subject with a unique eye. Where you could recognise his inanimate subjects having a somewhat Nordic feel, with their muted colours and quiet sense of always being, his live portaits give us much more. In both Finland and Mexico we experience the hardships of life on the periphery, with scarce resources and shetler, Männikkö's images are approachable without pretention. Iluminating the spirit and life of the people in these limited circustances.


His animal portraits are ever more personal with a strange tranquility and understanding of the subjects projected place within this human hierarchy. Männikkö talks of Zoo's as nothing more than prisons for animals and his images reflect a strong sense of guilt and shame upon the viewer. Ever image has it's own power of seduction and beauty to be experienced, but with 21 images in this years Deutsche Borse Photography Prize, every recycled frame touches the next, giving the montage of multiple years and subject an altogether awe inspiring feel. Catch it at The Photographers' Gallery until 6th April.