Erik Hoffner Heritage Homecoming
Erik Hoffner
- Jan 2010
Images from Erik Hoffner’s recent photo assignment in Poland, documenting the heritage breeds of farm animals Heifer Project International is working to save from extinction, and the struggling small farms the animals have given new hope to.
Opening Reception Friday, January 8th, 5:30-8:30 PM.
Gallery Talk and Slide Show Thursday, January 14th, 6:30 PM.
A Localvore Food Night at the Gallery is planned for Thursday, January 21, with Erik Hoffner and guest speaker Rebecca Golden, at 6:00 PM.
CLICK ON OUR EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LOCALVORE NIGHT!
ARTIST’S STATEMENT:
In late 2008, I traveled to Poland to documentthe work of Heifer Project International by capturing portraits of ‘old school’ heritage breed animals Heifer is pairing with new owners. Though I shot plenty of color digital images, my plan was to use mainly black and white film to portray what’s old and new about this rekindled relationship, and the resulting story appeared in the Summer 2009 edition of Heifer Project’s magazine, World Ark.
The images in this exhibit were created at small farms participating in Heifer’s programs in the northeastern corner of the country, on the border with Lithuania and Russia. By distributing these traditional (so-called heritage breed) animals to so many farms, Heifer’s work here and elsewhere in Poland is keeping breeds like the Polish Red cow - which were developed by Poles over hundreds of years but had dwindled in number dangerously – from extinction, while improving the economic prospects of small farms. Such farms are themselves struggling to survive now that EU membership is forcing them to adhere to strict regulations and compete with large scale farms throughout Europe.
These forgotten breeds have numerous qualities superior to those of their common commercial counterparts, including disease resistance, independence, and minimal feeding requirements. The farmers I met are proud to revive this aspect of their heritage, while benefiting from new revenue streams such as better quality eggs and milk perfectly suited to making cheese.
The images presented are meant to give a sense for the beauty of the place, the spirit in these animals, and the pride of their new owners.
- Erik Hoffner
Heifer Project International helps people in 53 countries live better through sustainable agriculture. While its programs are most well known for their positive impacts in developing countries, in developed ones like Poland, Heifer often focuses on improving the economic prospects of small farmers through conservation & redevelopment of heritage breeds of farm animals.
A selection of images from the exhibit
Exhibit sponsored by Cabot Creamery, and Edible Green Mountains
