The sculpture Playing God explores the ethical treatment of animals in modern society. This particular work focuses on the clinical manipulation of animals in a laboratory setting.
A rat is pinched by the back of its neck and about to be tested on by a scientist. The whole body and facial skin are stretched, arms are hanging on, and eyes are grinned (wide opened).
At a glance, this sculpture comes across to audiences with a childish whimsicality but then the audience encounters some discomfort, a sense of losing control and of hopelessness in witnessing the last moment of the rat's precious life.
In this series of work the artist explores the ideas behind the moral and ethical treatment of animals and the scientific manipulation of voiceless rights.
epoxy resin, light box
47 x 15 x 15 cm
Finalist
Judges of the 2013 Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize: Nick Mitzevich (Director of the Art Gallery of SA) and Professor Ian Howard (College of Fine Arts, UNSW).
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