“Hic sunt equi.”

In my artistic practice, I research the commodification of freedom of non-human beings. I consider them minorities, even though they often outnumber humans and yet remain unheard because they do not speak a language we recognise. What we offer them often does not correspond to their needs: claustrophobic stables, apartments, offices, dust, and a lack of sunlight. Their needs are often in conflict with human needs, yet they are forced to live within our society and serve multiple purposes. They have no choice.

Processes of minorisation and commodification can affect not only human groups, but also plants, animals, and even emotions. In my PhD research, I focused on plants as victims of human well-being. Their greenery improves office environments, yet they are easily forgotten and left without care, as became visible during the pandemic months.

Recently, I began a new research project on another non-human minority: horses. I focus on two groups - war horses and racing horses. Eohippus (eōs, “dawn” and hippos, “horse”), an early ancestor of the modern horse, resembled a rat, had toes instead of hooves, and was initially classified by scientists as a member of the shrew family. The strength, speed, and elegance of the modern horse have contributed to its commodification. Would its original form have been safer in its relationship with humans?