Anthropomorphism is a funny concept. It's the projection of human qualities onto non-human things. It's a practice ingrained in human nature. We do it as children when playing with our favorite toys and we do it as adults when interacting with our pets. As a culture it's prevalent in our literature, religions, art and language. Our need as people to relate, to communicate with others is evident by our need to humanize everything around us.
Vlad Artazov, a Czech photographer, has illustrated this need beautifully in his "Nail's Life" series. With only a few bent nails arranged in astoundingly real-life settings he conveys an extensive range of human emotions. The simplicity of the settings juxtaposed with the complexity of the emotions expressed delivers unexpectedly beautiful and touching scenes. That a nail, a commonplace inanimate tool, can bring out genuine sensitivity in the viewer speaks to Mr. Artazov's impressive insight into human nature and our inherit need of compassion.
Click through the images below to view more of the series.
