Care & Captivity
2022
Shown at Kunsthaus Baselland for Peace or Never, BA & MA Fine Arts Diploma exhibition, Academy of Art & Design FHNW HGK
The culture of care that we strive to foster when interacting and coexisting with animals implies that within this human-centric framework, a culture of captivity and power control becomes almost unavoidable. The historical narrative of ownership and objectification of pets and livestock reflects a complex and lengthy trajectory, intertwining deeply with the evolution of human culture and eventually contributing to the establishment of a paradigm in which the act of caring for other species cannot be disentangled from its roots in exploitation.
For Care & Captivity, I have developed a three-part installation that explores the intricate relationship between care and possession. Drawing inspiration from the commonly used cages in veterinary stations, I have installed a life-sized sculpture that encapsulates both the confining structure of a cold, sterile cage and the notion of a comforting home. The acrylic glass front window features small holes, precisely sized to allow fresh air into the six separate cabins of the sculpture – just large enough for a bird to enter and construct its nest. This sculpture is juxtaposed with the taxidermied body of a garden warbler, purposely positioned within the Kunsthaus ceiling. By integrating the exhibition space into the installation, I engage with and incorporate the environment, while simultaneously introducing a surreal, organic element to the otherwise sterile presentation.
Situated on a table-like structure, I have placed four additional objects directly inspired by cages used in pyrogen testing on rabbits. The animals involved in such trials exist in a liminal state – crucial for achieving optimal results in the pursuit of progress, yet entirely disposable once their bodies have fulfilled their purpose. In this extreme scenario of animal-human interaction, the act of caring for these „test objects“ embodies a profound contradiction, as care is solely directed toward serving a specific human purpose.
