Michael O’Neill’s platinum/palladium photographs of Zoobabies capture the “disarming innocence and utter naturalness” of infant creatures being raised in zoos throughout America.  In his portraits of baby animals O’Neill has focused his lens on a group of irresistible animals that are endangered in their natural environment.

Within this menagerie, the life and vitality of his subjects are rendered in soft and even light that plays in and among the folds, the fur and whiskers of each small model.  The contrasting play of sizes, shapes, and the various textures of the animals individual attire are formally posed within the directorial hallmarks of the Irving Penn and Richard Avedon tradition.  Seemingly casual, yet formally positioned, the animals either confront, smile, or demure, as in the portrais of Pongo Joe, who covers his eyes with his hand.  O’Neill’s use of shallow, spare space creates an intimate setting emphasizing, and at times magnifying the unique qualities and engaging expressions of each animal.

What is the animistic transfer between animals and humans, the inherent relationship that apprehends a similitude that is, as Greil Marcus says “stored in the psyche but forgotten like a dream?” From the Alligator mississippiensis, beter known as Blue-eyed Baby Bourée to Sleeping Beauty, the pot-bellied pig, O’Neill prompts us to consider the essential characteristics of creatures, seldom seen, except in zoos.

Trained as a commercial photographer, Michael O’Neill’s portraits of film stars, celebrities and politicians, frequently appear in such publications as The New York Times Magazine, Mirabella, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Interview.  He lives in New York City.  The Zoo Babies project started in 1991 and led to the publication of the book titled, Zoo Babies, published by Villard Books of NYC.

All images are platinum/palladium prints and may be ordered in either size.  The 14” x 14” prints are in an edition of 50.  The 24” x 24” prints are in an edition of 15.  Photographs may be purchased framed or unframed.  Prices are subject to change as prints in the edition are sold.  To order prints please call Etherton Gallery at 520.624.7370.  Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for delivery.