Series of Illustrations concerning Animals, Scientifical Illustration, and the promotion of Animal Rights. Meant to raise awareness, this is the coverage of different projects done within a year from 2016 to 2017.
The first elements to be featured are depictions of extinct species, the technique was drawn in parallel to scientifical illustrations but I'd not compare to that as the concept and the execution went in a limited amount of time and I resorted to certain stylization and poetic freedom. I've been given an opportunity to develop original material, of my own authorship for a veganism-related event in Curitiba, Paraná (Brazil), in April 2016. Regarding the public already had contact with the reality of farm animals (considering ethics as the reason they've gone vegan to begin with), the place where the event was being hosted was about to open, so of course a more heterogeneous public would come to meet it. I've developed print stickers and went by choice to address a specific matter concerning "extinction", which often come as a first thought on what it means "animal rights", as if related to wildlife preservation (which isn't taken deeply other than that). It begins as simplistic as that.
Concerning the animal rights and public perceptions regarding the matter, an eco-centric facade often veils the true intent of preserving the interests of individual sentient beings, which regards an abstract concept nature to cover up interests of different individuals, selecting species and habits as major interests over others seeking for the maintenance of a highly debatable "balance" of a supposed ecosystem, limited over geographical concerns no farther determined from sciences which were more or less biased by some previous anthropocentric tradition, in a scale where ecosystems are regarded over species and species are regarded over individuals, sometimes even over members of the same species (i.e. under "population control" pretexts, given quantities are assured to live, others are merely exterminated by very conscious set of actors). The resulting perception concerns that the conservationist effort should be on focusing on the "species" category and choose the ones that target most human emotions, by those which affect them in personal levels and bridge familiarity matters through a speciesist bias (cultural significance, aesthetical subjective morality, most of times). Campaigns which concern for example preserving the so-called apex predators (i.e. lions, tigers) as pivotal in saving a supposed ecosystem (taking as if it were ecosystems, rather than the individuals which supposedly compose it, as a matter to be "saved", or to regard some benefit from it). Ends up that the predators mostly result in continuing their reproduction of habits which potentially increase the suffering of other animals, and also of their own species, which concerns few of the animal welfare or interests of their own as a whole. Research in population dynamics shows otherwise, the outcome is that many animals are born and very few reach adult age, dying through diverse means other than mere human action [1]. The suffering by predation, death by plagues, cold, overheat, inaction or any disease isn't taken seriously in a context whose main moral compass is based on aesthetical values or in economical interests. That inconvenient truth only reach def ears in the severely co-opted biocentric lens, the current paradigm within the perception in animal rights. As so, the term "species" here concerns less the res oculta of the public and refers to mere symbolization of the anatomy, taxonomy and classification within the Linnaeus binomial and trinomial system of animals that are no longer present and have been led into extinction by different fronts, mostly from hunting activity and subsequent lack of any engagement towards manners on which such outcome could have been prevented [2].
The first elements to be featured are depictions of extinct species, the technique was drawn in parallel to scientifical illustrations but I'd not compare to that as the concept and the execution went in a limited amount of time and I resorted to certain stylization and poetic freedom. I've been given an opportunity to develop original material, of my own authorship for a veganism-related event in Curitiba, Paraná (Brazil), in April 2016. Regarding the public already had contact with the reality of farm animals (considering ethics as the reason they've gone vegan to begin with), the place where the event was being hosted was about to open, so of course a more heterogeneous public would come to meet it. I've developed print stickers and went by choice to address a specific matter concerning "extinction", which often come as a first thought on what it means "animal rights", as if related to wildlife preservation (which isn't taken deeply other than that). It begins as simplistic as that.
Concerning the animal rights and public perceptions regarding the matter, an eco-centric facade often veils the true intent of preserving the interests of individual sentient beings, which regards an abstract concept nature to cover up interests of different individuals, selecting species and habits as major interests over others seeking for the maintenance of a highly debatable "balance" of a supposed ecosystem, limited over geographical concerns no farther determined from sciences which were more or less biased by some previous anthropocentric tradition, in a scale where ecosystems are regarded over species and species are regarded over individuals, sometimes even over members of the same species (i.e. under "population control" pretexts, given quantities are assured to live, others are merely exterminated by very conscious set of actors). The resulting perception concerns that the conservationist effort should be on focusing on the "species" category and choose the ones that target most human emotions, by those which affect them in personal levels and bridge familiarity matters through a speciesist bias (cultural significance, aesthetical subjective morality, most of times). Campaigns which concern for example preserving the so-called apex predators (i.e. lions, tigers) as pivotal in saving a supposed ecosystem (taking as if it were ecosystems, rather than the individuals which supposedly compose it, as a matter to be "saved", or to regard some benefit from it). Ends up that the predators mostly result in continuing their reproduction of habits which potentially increase the suffering of other animals, and also of their own species, which concerns few of the animal welfare or interests of their own as a whole. Research in population dynamics shows otherwise, the outcome is that many animals are born and very few reach adult age, dying through diverse means other than mere human action [1]. The suffering by predation, death by plagues, cold, overheat, inaction or any disease isn't taken seriously in a context whose main moral compass is based on aesthetical values or in economical interests. That inconvenient truth only reach def ears in the severely co-opted biocentric lens, the current paradigm within the perception in animal rights. As so, the term "species" here concerns less the res oculta of the public and refers to mere symbolization of the anatomy, taxonomy and classification within the Linnaeus binomial and trinomial system of animals that are no longer present and have been led into extinction by different fronts, mostly from hunting activity and subsequent lack of any engagement towards manners on which such outcome could have been prevented [2].
Caspian Tiger and the Caucasian Wisent, the disappearance of one in the wild closely followed the other. Hunted down extensively by human populations in the last two centuries, the Bison subspecies disappeared around the 40s, while the last sightings of the Tiger, which preyed upon the bison, were reported around the 60s.
The Kona Giant Looper Moth from Hawaii, whose habitat reduction and the severe change in ecosystem is the main attribution to it's disappearance. It was very scarce of records to replicate it's colour scheme. The West Indian Ocean Coelacanth is an exception to the list, it was rediscovered in the late 30s, but the estimated population is fewer than 500, which for a fish species, mean a very unlikely survival.
The most iconic of them all the Dodo, whose extinction predates all other from the series by centuries, was based in some illustration due to the controversial nature regarding the colouring of it's feathers. The entire series was made into stickers to be sold, and by far it was the most popular. It's sad to think that icons speak less than they should on raising awareness for still extant species, which face the same problems concerning habitat loss, predation, diseases and hunting for whatever purpose (poaching, "population control", traffic, captures for breeding). And man, how I was disappointed that the Thylacine was quite unknown when I brought up the stickers! The Tasmanian Tiger was extensively hunt down in Tasmania for guess what — it was supposedly preying on sheep herds. Not only farmers wipe out original human inhabitants and settle farms with animals which never existed there before, reducing areas where these marsupial tigers existed — institutions such as governments supported hunters in a very likely killing spree which was nothing but means to maintain profit over the exploited sheep, with immediate death of the native species, and why not, as a very lazy 'solution' to whatever problems there were. For that and many other reasons, "invasive species" and "intruder" narratives hides more than that "environmental concern" beneath the surface.
Illustrations were done with ink, then coloured layers were added in digital means. The entire process may have lasted for a week. Closely related, I brought up to next events, almost a year after in early 2017, a new series covering endangered animals from Central and South America. They followed the same process.
Chrysocyon brachiurus, the Maned Wolf, or Lobo Guará, has become a symbol of Brazilian conservationist intent.
It was the last one developed in a series I've made to contribute with yet another vegan-related event, this time in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina (Brazil). The series tied in to animals which others found even more so "relatable". It did put in test how far the public knew more or less on the fauna of the country. There's still so much to do regarding the conservation of animals, even more on considering them sentient beings.
It was the last one developed in a series I've made to contribute with yet another vegan-related event, this time in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina (Brazil). The series tied in to animals which others found even more so "relatable". It did put in test how far the public knew more or less on the fauna of the country. There's still so much to do regarding the conservation of animals, even more on considering them sentient beings.
Jabiru mycteria, Platalea ajaja, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Ramphastus toco, with local names. Jabiru is known as "swollen neck", the Ajajá name refers to it's feathers' colors, the Araraúna stands for "dark" or "dark coloured" Macaw, and Tucanaçu is "big Toucan". Unfortunately, many of these animals are victims of traffic. Mostly zoos are affected by an exhibition mentality, and despite they manage the life of it's prisoners captured from traffic, it plays a major role which escapes from the responsibility of the sanctuaries [3]. As such this has to be boycotted overall, as it's a dangerous habit which is so often portrayed as harmless. No animal should be traded, bought, robbed of it's will, or captured.
Iconic animals, the Capybara which comes from the Tupy term for "grass eater", the Preguiça (Sloth Animal) is known as Aý, and the maned sloth, as Aýpixúna, or Black Sloth. The Tapir (Tapi'Ira) was the closest to cattle the Guarany had, and the name was carried to denominate that. Despite all being known and icons, populations of these animals face great misery today. Inconsequential measures are led to exterminate populations, whilst more secure methods such as sterilization are not being taken efficiently. Captivity and neglect makes such animals suffering of great stress, some individuals even dying for that. The preguiças, on the other hand, are deeply affected by the industry and urbanization, which reduces it's habitat.
Tatus, the armadillos. Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus) has nocturnal habits, and is a victim of hunting and traffic, mostly by human workers. Known to exterminate termites and their colonies. The Tolypeutes, on the right, is affected by traffic, it's defensive ability to turn into a ball is seen as a mere fun feature. Featured as the World Cup mascot for 2014, there are no major news to be positive about the situation of the species. Often traffic skyrocket with such media exposures.
Anteaters, Myrmecophaga trydactila (Giant anteater, Antbear or Tamanduá Bandeira) and Tamandua tetradactyla (Tamanduá de colete, or Tamanduá Mirim), here with a cub. Pretty much popular, I received quite positive feedbacks with those.
The series concerning wild species ends with the Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis, freshwater dolphins from Orinoco), or Pirajaguara (something like "river dog") and the Giant Sea Otter, highly intelligent, socially driven and playful animals (Pteronura brasiliensis, shown on biased tv screens more as deadly predators than anything, they're hunted by hunters from all the corners of the world who come to their distinct diminishing resting places for their pelt).
Following, some more concerns which surpass the category of "animal welfare", developed on my own account, around September 2016. Back to the Farm Animal category, I address veganism directly with these:
Following, some more concerns which surpass the category of "animal welfare", developed on my own account, around September 2016. Back to the Farm Animal category, I address veganism directly with these:
"LATICÍNIOS", or Dairy, the title of an illustration some found out as shocking.
Made out of the need to remind that meat and milk industry are not separate entities, but exactly one and the same. The human mass coming in all the colors show the tetric scenario we face as milk consumption is actually increasing worldwide, and not diminishing back, as most welfare NGOs would like to admit. They reap the rewards of campaigns such as "Meatless Mondays", with conscience washing pretexts which concerns "welfare" but just measure animal exploitation, regulating it through inefficient laws, and asking people into promoting milk, honey and eggs consumption. Creating niches of market, campaigns such as those do little effect because their intent was never to address the main cause of the animal rights — that of considering individual capability of sentience — instead they appeal to emotions, morals; not to rational ethics.
The illustration received mild exposure twice in my own university, first during a day of exposition concerning environment (and veganism as a "choice" or "lifestyle", rather than what it really stands for, as the most basic elementary habit for whoever address the interest of the sentient instead of as a final solution from a "personal journey"), then in an art expo for over a week, as an extra-curricular event from my course. Still have no idea why some find it shocking. It's more comical than real life.
Perhaps it's the anonymous synergy between the consumer mass and the expression of the cow.
Made out of the need to remind that meat and milk industry are not separate entities, but exactly one and the same. The human mass coming in all the colors show the tetric scenario we face as milk consumption is actually increasing worldwide, and not diminishing back, as most welfare NGOs would like to admit. They reap the rewards of campaigns such as "Meatless Mondays", with conscience washing pretexts which concerns "welfare" but just measure animal exploitation, regulating it through inefficient laws, and asking people into promoting milk, honey and eggs consumption. Creating niches of market, campaigns such as those do little effect because their intent was never to address the main cause of the animal rights — that of considering individual capability of sentience — instead they appeal to emotions, morals; not to rational ethics.
The illustration received mild exposure twice in my own university, first during a day of exposition concerning environment (and veganism as a "choice" or "lifestyle", rather than what it really stands for, as the most basic elementary habit for whoever address the interest of the sentient instead of as a final solution from a "personal journey"), then in an art expo for over a week, as an extra-curricular event from my course. Still have no idea why some find it shocking. It's more comical than real life.
Perhaps it's the anonymous synergy between the consumer mass and the expression of the cow.
A series of illustrations which has a scope on different areas where animals are still objectified, exploited, and victimized, in industries other than the meat and milk ones. "Veganismo é só o começo" stands for "Veganism is but the beginning".
A reminder to those who promote veganism by itself and seems to forget the animals. The first illustration focus on animal testing in all it's levels, from the traffic, to the breeding and profit involved in repeating the waste that is the reality of such testings. Generation after generation, lives confined by profit.
A reminder to those who promote veganism by itself and seems to forget the animals. The first illustration focus on animal testing in all it's levels, from the traffic, to the breeding and profit involved in repeating the waste that is the reality of such testings. Generation after generation, lives confined by profit.
The second concerns the fragile concept of freedom, as it's short-lived in the scenario of traffic. Once again the capture for breeding facilities plays role in activities which existed since millennia ago, yet are mostly driven by the economical system we're in, which ease the tensions in all the processes and make the exploitation more dynamic. Freedom is fragile.
Last but not least, I addressed the fishing activity. Most people who consume fish recur to old discourses for the maintenance of such useless tradition, as if getting "the catch" straight from lakes and rivers. To those led by ethics it wouldn't make difference between any kind of fishing — the interest of fish isn't any kind of death nor exploitation. But the illustration focus on the anonymous victims of fishnets, from extensive fishing. They carry much more than "species", but individuals of most different categories and subtly led by their own interests in living, all capable to feel and self-conscious, self-aware of their own and surroundings. No product can guarantee the nature of it's impact. Concerning fishing, no death is an accident.
Fish, mammals, crustaceans...
While the bio-centric, environmental optic is mostly biased and is still adamant in the public perception, most fail to perceive the common roof of production demand and overgrowing population, each generation with a more incisive need perpetrated by extensive consumerist advertisement and mostly lacking self-critical takes, less aware of the everlasting impact and imprint in the slightest acts as a legacy of exponential increase in consumption. Every industry has had roles in exterminating individuals, species, and provoked serious changes in their habitats, concerning problems which 'ended' (subsisting in new populations) and new ones that started. The first illustration, done in 2015, reflects a Brazilian reality, akin to the Pantanal region.
Cattle-herders are among the ones which most often hunt Onças or employ hunters to do so. Most notably cattle, but so too any kind of vegetable in the logic of plantation, is accounted as a "reason" for the continuation of the same processes which historically led to extinction species, in events which draw parallels elsewhere, such as with the thylacines.
On the other hand, the second one concerns the Palm Oil and Furniture industries which serves as a facade to the destruction of Orangutan habitat. Within that I made a brief mention to the equally menaced Central African gorillas, which were made mostly as a "character" between conflicting interests so often triggered between the severe marks left by the colonizers on Africa. Charcoal mining is reputed to be a main factor in the hunting of such beings, as human contact becomes increasingly dangerous and a matter of revenge killing. Of course the Onça, Gorilla (albeit made more specifically affected as a revenge killing) and the Orangutan aren't the only ones affected by that. As mentioned before, the bio-centric agenda promotes single-issue campaigns measured by key species which appeal to the public, and so did these illustrations. The real world scenario can't be merely represented, the events which mine both interests and welfare of sentient beings can't be ascribed to "cloaked shady kingpins", instead it isn't any particular action, but mostly ones involving easy ways out and money, profit in both regulated or not markets, that do so. All help is needed to all the sentient beings out there.
Other illustrations done between 2015 and 2016, as well as the advertisement for aforementioned event, hosted in a 100% vegan grocery store, which makes handmade plant-based "meat", "cheese" and offers other activities regarding veganism.
The first illustration fits with most I could draw of sea and coastal animals in a single art. Fishes, Mammals, arthropods, crustaceans, reptiles. All can be easily reduced and computed as collateral damage for the exploitation of fishing, mediated by any currency, which people seek to justify by all means, but are also conveniently in neglect when addressing any environmental impact. No matter if any fishing concern some "environmental friendly" fad or pisciculture, the sentient being's capabilities aren't being taken in consideration for a product which is not needed at all.
The second one is a very personal register of confined animals in a public place in the city centre of Curitiba. Loneliness is spoken in misunderstood sounds all the time by birds who rest solely in cages watching screaming kids coming and going, all completely unaware of the sadness and depression they're facing. Makes us see no matter how surrounded by people we may be, loneliness is a matter of being unable to express and escape from the strings imposed upon us. On the case, to these animals. Our negligence materializes so harshly in such cages. Smaller birds pass through the cages chanting whilst the damaged ones inside can't do anything. Communication alone can't break the cages of loneliness.
It reads: "More "Veg" products on the shelf cleared the conscience of many.. but it never took an animal out of it's jail"
A comics stylized illustration concerning a sarcastic tone to the media-inspired and consumerist turn the animal rights movement has followed globally. While we make endless concessions, we deem the next generation to follow the path downward to manage all the open stains we've left. Institutions care rather for their own profit and follow the same logic of Greenpeace, a logic dictated by a capitalist venture based on publicity for publicity alone. Vegan industries makes up small portions of the market, but are so far fine with that, not oddly the animal exploitation industries have 'vegan versions' of their products, but their profit from that doesn't account differently than an animal product would. The so-called vegan institution which once had proposals of "raising awareness", fail to address the exploitation by it's root in the moment it creates easier ways out (distorting the meaning of vegetarianism by twisting perception on plant-based diets — even people calling themselves "plant-based" now!), demanding nothing but consumerist postures (as if that alone suffice!), choosing what or what not to consume, from who and who not to buy, mostly favouring big enterprises with such "choices" (niches of market) and turning a blind eye on smaller enterprises or handmade food from locals (except gentrified ventures, mostly international businesses). Meanwhile, the grass-roots education is poorly addressed by such institutions which disposes of million dollars, instead employed to waste on the spread of viral sentimentalist campaigns, which in consequence collaborate more with the building of stereotypes, memes, and setting a "trend" to address and target consumerist public, which speak nothing clearly as to who directly exploit these animals — not surprisingly lower classes most of times, given of course the required exceptions. For all joints still follow the pyramidal system of exploitation. The owners of greater industries are at large unscathed from such campaigns, whilst the low employee is heavily damaged and unprotected by laws, all the while welfarist institutes just give a conscience washing element which further enhance the public perception of the animal exploitation industry, nominating public figures which speaks nothing but babble to represent animals in a neglect system, further gentrifying some ethos which was basically integrated within the grass-roots. Plant-based food is obviously more accessible than animal ones, as has always been. Instead we see more stuff we don't need receiving the spotlight in inaccessible shelves.
The historical role of direct action, as well, is both fetishized and as well strongly opposed by so-called peaceful protesters. The "movement" is prone to seek the easy way out instead of recognizing that it's repeating past mistakes and accepting terms which further exploit the animals, and do nothing to diminish the breeding and suffering of farmed animals, nothing properly counter-attacks that always expanding market which has every connection to global capitalism. Meanwhile independent actions and groups are often criminalized, with few room for any solidarity to political prisoners or activists.
Of course the "movement" is not what we want it to be. It seems everything that account for more than thousand people will hardly address to decisive matters, and paradoxically smaller groups lack the means to do effective change.
But here's the thought...
A comics stylized illustration concerning a sarcastic tone to the media-inspired and consumerist turn the animal rights movement has followed globally. While we make endless concessions, we deem the next generation to follow the path downward to manage all the open stains we've left. Institutions care rather for their own profit and follow the same logic of Greenpeace, a logic dictated by a capitalist venture based on publicity for publicity alone. Vegan industries makes up small portions of the market, but are so far fine with that, not oddly the animal exploitation industries have 'vegan versions' of their products, but their profit from that doesn't account differently than an animal product would. The so-called vegan institution which once had proposals of "raising awareness", fail to address the exploitation by it's root in the moment it creates easier ways out (distorting the meaning of vegetarianism by twisting perception on plant-based diets — even people calling themselves "plant-based" now!), demanding nothing but consumerist postures (as if that alone suffice!), choosing what or what not to consume, from who and who not to buy, mostly favouring big enterprises with such "choices" (niches of market) and turning a blind eye on smaller enterprises or handmade food from locals (except gentrified ventures, mostly international businesses). Meanwhile, the grass-roots education is poorly addressed by such institutions which disposes of million dollars, instead employed to waste on the spread of viral sentimentalist campaigns, which in consequence collaborate more with the building of stereotypes, memes, and setting a "trend" to address and target consumerist public, which speak nothing clearly as to who directly exploit these animals — not surprisingly lower classes most of times, given of course the required exceptions. For all joints still follow the pyramidal system of exploitation. The owners of greater industries are at large unscathed from such campaigns, whilst the low employee is heavily damaged and unprotected by laws, all the while welfarist institutes just give a conscience washing element which further enhance the public perception of the animal exploitation industry, nominating public figures which speaks nothing but babble to represent animals in a neglect system, further gentrifying some ethos which was basically integrated within the grass-roots. Plant-based food is obviously more accessible than animal ones, as has always been. Instead we see more stuff we don't need receiving the spotlight in inaccessible shelves.
The historical role of direct action, as well, is both fetishized and as well strongly opposed by so-called peaceful protesters. The "movement" is prone to seek the easy way out instead of recognizing that it's repeating past mistakes and accepting terms which further exploit the animals, and do nothing to diminish the breeding and suffering of farmed animals, nothing properly counter-attacks that always expanding market which has every connection to global capitalism. Meanwhile independent actions and groups are often criminalized, with few room for any solidarity to political prisoners or activists.
Of course the "movement" is not what we want it to be. It seems everything that account for more than thousand people will hardly address to decisive matters, and paradoxically smaller groups lack the means to do effective change.
But here's the thought...
Registering what I've produced so far.
Of course in such transition from ideas to illustration to print sticker and direct consumers not all the informations can be easily passed, but we do what we must. I was given the opportunity to participate in some events which concerned veganism throughout these years, and my focus has been mostly on animals, farmed or not. On individuals, species in the fringe, on the science behind them, and the capabilities of their own to feel, act, think and be conscious of their own and their sense of locale and surroundings. Hope these illustrations work for that!
Of course in such transition from ideas to illustration to print sticker and direct consumers not all the informations can be easily passed, but we do what we must. I was given the opportunity to participate in some events which concerned veganism throughout these years, and my focus has been mostly on animals, farmed or not. On individuals, species in the fringe, on the science behind them, and the capabilities of their own to feel, act, think and be conscious of their own and their sense of locale and surroundings. Hope these illustrations work for that!
It's me on my stand at an event which happened in March 25th 2017, in Florianopólis.
Register by Guilherme Morette who also worked on his own illustrations for the occasion.
You can always find more information regarding animals and how you can help.
Register by Guilherme Morette who also worked on his own illustrations for the occasion.
You can always find more information regarding animals and how you can help.
