Adriana Seserko | Dracula | SOLD
Dracula, The Sable Dragon 2021
Airbrush and synthetic polymer on round birch board
90cm
SOLD
Humans, visual beings, highly value the aesthetic qualities of animals. It is no new phenomena for man to manipulate and breed animals for their beauty; this has been occurring for centuries. The domestic dog is ultimately mans greatest work of art. Just consider the origin of mans best friend, the wild and majestic grey wolf. It is rather astonishing to think that after centuries of selective breeding the wolf has become “Fido”, the loyal, dependent bundle of fur that provides humans with love and companionship. However dogs, like too many other species suffer as a result of mankind’s control. The human preference for juvenile cuteness as seen in animals that feature large heads, big soft eyes, small noses, chubbiness, and small body proportions, may be an inherent response that stems from a maternal need to protect the young and vulnerable. Unfortunately though, for some, the animal is nothing more than an accessory to go with the perfect house and car and of course, said animal must look the part too. Take for instance the pug or bulldog. They are valued for their flat faces and big eyes yet concerning health conditions are associated with these breeds, including severe breathing difficulties and eyeballs that are known to pop out of the dogs eye sockets. Outside of canines, ornamental fish are being breed to have bulbous eyes causing blindness, doubled tails, and bodies that are shortened and rounder making it difficult for the fish to swim. These fish too are more prone to swim bladder issues which ultimately lead to their demise. Cats, dogs, fish, birds, rabbits, horses, you name it, mankind's pursuit for beauty is as far reaching as it is devastating.
Horrified by the extent of suffering discerned in vulnerable animals due to the whims of mankind, I was compelled to paint. I have loved and cared for canaries, fish, and dogs. Billie, my sweet little dog and truly the most loyal friend you could have, suffered but especially later in her life from joint and respiratory problems and congestive heart failure which caused her death. These health issues are common afflictions of her breed, the Shit Tsu cross. Canaries, beautiful little birds of song have been bred to appear more cute. The problem is that a myriad of health conditions afflict these little birds. Sadly I have lost several canaries as a result of their poor breeding. I have seen birds with ugly painful feather lumps that prevent flight, digestive problems that lead to chronic diarrhoea, respiratory issues, and foot deformities that must be as painful as they look. Recently, we proudly adopted goldfish into our family. It was little surprise to discover that our fish too had a number of health problems, but mainly in relation to their swim bladder. I decided to depict Dracula in this painting, my striking black moor goldfish. Dracula, heavily adorned with objects of beauty, represents all the animals that endure pain as consequence of mans manipulation and disregard for his animal counterparts. How shallow and heartless are we to deem an animals worth purely on their physical appearance, usefulness, and on their monetary value. It is morally and ethically wrong to treat animals, sentient creatures, as mere commodities.
Adriana Seserko
Born: 1990
Adriana has been painting most of her life. Her attention to the finer detail gives her the ability to create beautifully rendered masterpieces.
Her works often engage the viewer with a moral value, she believes strongly in the preservation of our planet and painting provides her with an instrument in which her views can be expressed to the greater community
