Nina Chung explores trauma through photos of Icelandic Horses

Nina Chung uses her photography to explore trauma and abuse.  Her subject often include horses and dancers.  Her current exhibition, “Wind Spirit Speaks,” at Hygienic Art Galleries in New London uses photos of horses from the Dakotas and Stonington to "express her own inner turmoil."

"Chung had traveled to Iceland to experience the country’s incredible landscape — one that she describes as the 'meeting point of fire and ice, a fascinating duality in itself.'  It was there she discovered the power and healing capabilities of horses after witnessing a black herd running across a black volcanic landscape 'against a raging snowstorm.'"

"From there, Chung’s fascination with these animals propelled her into a years-long photo exploration of horses, both in Iceland and in North and South Dakota. She photographed Icelandic horses for 18 months after that first trip, traveling back and forth from New York City. In one instance, Chung witnessed a herd of horses being rounded up and penned for their slaughter. Those photos (which are neither composited or on view in her exhibit but can be requested from Chung over her website) are also visceral, brimming with terror, entrapment and panic."

Source:  You can view samples of Chung's work, including the photogaph "Icelandic horses are herded in a storm for slaughter", in this article by Mary Biekert in The Day.
https://www.theday.com/article/20180322/ENT10/180329777