The Wild Between Us

This fall, Nourish Rockford (@nourishrockford) will host The Wild Between Us, a solo photography exhibition by Rockford-based photographer Jaime dela Rosa. Opening September 27, the exhibit presents sixteen black and white portraits of South Africa’s wildlife. Each portrait serves as an invitation to look more deeply, not only at the beauty of these creatures but also at one another.

“It is easy to marvel at the strength of an elephant, the tenderness of a mother rhino, or the innocence of a zebra foal,” dela Rosa reflects. “But this series is about more than animals. It is about how we see each other. Every quality we admire in these photos from the wild such as presence, resilience, joy, and dignity lives in us too.”

Each photograph carries a single human-centered title such as Stillness, Tenderness, Resilience, or Unity. The images are paired with poetic text that bridges the wild and human worlds. The exhibit’s wall text offers a challenge to viewers: If we can see the beauty in the wild, perhaps we can learn to see it more deeply in each other.

The exhibition will feature limited-edition archival prints available for purchase. Half of the profits will benefit Ignite South Africa, an organization dedicated to equipping and educating young leaders in underserved communities in the very nation these images were captured.

The show will run from September 27 through November 15. An opening reception will feature the artist, light refreshments, and a Q&A session.

“By supporting this exhibit,” dela Rosa adds, “patrons are not only experiencing art. They are becoming part of a global story of awareness, action, and access to education.”