​‘Guard dog’ depicts a relationship of restraint. Like a beast on a chain, this piece portrays someone clasping a sword laying in someone’s lap. This explores the tension experienced when trusting someone, as the human condition is to be as unpredictable as a wild dog. It is the closest relationships that have the power to inflict the most damage, whether it is emotionally or physically. Hence the subjects are condemned to wear their masks, waiting out the other, never to lower their guard.

‘They look so safe, a guard dog there just for him. If only he knew that with one wrong move, he’ll turn around and tear off his hands.’