Hanging in the balance is part of my conservation series, and sheds light on the difficult, often invisible lives of dairy cows. Their existence is shaped by constant forced pregnancies, repeated separations from their calves, and the physical toll of relentless milking. The oversized udder, composed of a dense system of symbols, draws attention to the strain placed on their bodies—particularly the overstretched teats, which become both a literal and metaphorical burden.
The figures are built from a patchwork of shapes that echo the way developers divide land—those sharp, gridded patterns visible from the sky when flying over developed terrain. It’s a visual language I return to often, symbolizing the erosion of natural spaces, the intrusion of urban sprawl, and the systems—both agricultural and architectural—that fragment life for profit.
As with much of my work, the final stage involves the meticulous placement of symbols that span cultures, histories, and objects. These clusters become a quest for balance—within the work and within myself—a kind of visual prayer that turns complexity into clarity.
Change is essential. If we want a more ethical system, we must support practices that prioritize humane treatment—for animals and the land they rely on. TinaAlberni.com for more details
