The Signs of Life photo series by Daniel Zakharov explores the intriguing knick-knacks which people place in their windows.
The items in these windows include posters, toys, religious statues, anatomical figures, replicas of ancient statues, and even live animals. I like that such a wide range of objects are presented, but there are still connections and similarities between the photos. I think it also appeals to the natural curiosity people have about each others’ private lives and homes.
Each item provides clues about the personality of the owners, but there is also a sense of mystery about them which Zakharov embraces: “These ‘signs of life’ provided very personal information about other people’s lives and the worlds unknown to me. And still, the most important part of those lives remained hidden,” he says.
Zakharov was first inspired to make these photographs when he saw the porcelain parakeets displayed by a neighbour. He has since gone on to take 200 pictures, which he further classified into several groups including Birds, Heroes, Human Figures, and Animals.
