HCM CITY (VNS) — French artist Nadege David's drawings and sculptures on show at a solo exhibition that opened in HCM City yesterday examine and question the connection between humans and animals.

The exhibition is called Ho®s-Sol (Soil-Less®), a reference to the displacement of animals from their soil and native state of being, transformed into mere objects, functional only in a multitude of categories made up by mankind, organiser Galerie Quynh says.

"The ® alludes to this humanised identification and objectification of animals, and their metamorphosis into merchandised property."

Nadege's works are inspired by a deep interest in anatomy, science, philosophy, human behaviour, and socio-political and economic realities.

Her watercolour and ink drawings take shape and evolve organically, mimicking the growth of living beings.

Artwork titles have been arranged and numbered like labels for scientific specimens.

In Domestic Animal, the animal is represented in its domesticity, with children contending a cute creature that becomes akin to a stuffed toy or a child riding a lion that has lost its fierce nature.

Nadege's sculptures, continuing with this notion of death, are a mortuary collection of insects and other small creatures on colourful deathbeds sealed in glass vases.

Born in 1975 in Poissy, France, Nadege got an MA in political philosophy from the University La Sorbonne, Paris, and an MA in contemporary political philosophy from the University of Paris VIII.

She has exhibited in various group exhibitions, including at Galerie Vue Privee in Singapore and Galerie Quynh. Nadege lives and works in HCM City.

The exhibition runs until June 7 at Galerie Quynh. Level 2, 151/3 Dong Khoi Street, District 1. — VNS