Fur collection
The Japanese word “Teate/手当て’’ (te=hand ate=touch) is often used in the modern sense of 'treatment' when one is injured or ill, but “Teate” is originally a form of healing that people have used since ancient times to relieve physical and mental suffering by literally applying their hands or touching.
Why does touching the skin and body with the hands relieve pain or calm the mind? One of the reasons is the presence of oxytocin, known as the "bonding hormone" or "happy hormone". Oxytocin is a substance that is synthesized and secreted by the human brain and acts mainly as a hormone and neurotransmitter. Various studies have shown that the amount of oxytocin secreted by the brain is increased by skin-to-skin contact with a close person.
It is thought that affectionate skin stimulation is associated with a range of social behaviors, including comfort, stress relief and building trust.
Exactly the same can be said for the relationship between humans and dogs.
We are relaxed by the fur of the dogs and they are reassured by being touched by people they trust.
Egypt
It is estimated that there are currently 22 million street dogs in Egypt, which is a serious problem. The government has been killing them for fear of hygiene and rabies, but due to the cost, captured stray dogs and cats are being exported to other countries for food.
I actually saw many street dogs during my trip there. They were skinny, scavenging through rubbish and running in the crowds and many of them were sleeping peacefully everywhere. They have no way of knowing what the future held for them, of course, and are simply living in the present.
From the group exhibition “Dogs in the Hoods” 2022
At Salon Mondial (The Atelier Mondial art space)
