Yana Wernicke (*1990) is a German artist based near Frankfurt. Her work explores the relationship between humans, animals, and nature through photography, often reflecting on interspecies connections, coexistence, and the emotional depth of these bonds. In collaboration with photographer Jonas Feige, she worked on Zenker, a project examining Germany’s colonial history in Cameroon, which was published as a book by Edition Patrick Frey in 2021. Her 2023 book Companions, published by Loose Joints, portrays two young women who share deep bonds with animals, offering a poignant reflection on species loneliness, empathy, and the intricate ties between different forms of life.