Artist Animal (Post-humanities) By Raymond Douglas (06/09/13 17:15:15)
Related animals: Fish, Human, Rat 1. What does Steve Baker think of Randy Malamud and others who criticize artists working with animals of being non-ethical?
He thinks that each case needs to be considered separately. Without doing so, the true differences between collaborators and users will be confused.
2. According to Baker, what is the issue with looking at the ethical issues of an artwork before making a proper reading of it?
Those things that may appear not very ethical at first could very well be something that requires a deeper discussion to understand. From the last answer, each case will remain different and will need its own steps to understanding.
3. What is some of Baker’s criticism of the Rat Piece and Helena?
In this case, he strongly thinks that the rat is being used as a tool. Typically, collaboration extends something positive to all parties involved, but here we lose one of the collaborators. Therefore, it was outright unethical.
4. Is Baker defending the Rat Piece and Helena? How/why?
Despite the unfortunate death of these animals they have brought up a larger discussion, which may eliminate such events from happening in the future. They bring a bad light to other artistic gestures that utilize animals in negative ways.
5. According to Baker, can we trust artists to work with/use animals?
For interspecies collaborations we must despite those few who exploit the lives of animals.
6. Do you think artists have ethical responsibilities? Why/why not? What are those ethical responsibilities in regards to working with animals?
I think all artists have ethical responsibilities to all external, living entities. Ethical responsibilities within their own body are a different discussion. Though, it is our duty as artists to respect and attempt to enrich the lives of all animals they work with. Artists are meant to collaborate, not exploit. And collaboration is meant to enrich, not destroy.
7. What does Bryndis Snaebjornsdotter mean when she says it is impossible to ask if it is ethical to use animals in art without also asking if it is ethical to use them in science and for food? Do you agree/disagree?
Bryndis is concerned with art being just as important as science. Also, Bryndis believes that the two should be subject to the same standards and ethical rules. While I agree for the most part, I think they are two different fields. Art should have considerably more strict rules in place for the treatment of animals. Science should as well, but in cases where several animals may be sacrificed for the greater good of the species or another species (humans) then I think the slightly different treatment is persmissible.
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