The modern art museum is hosting a new exhibition featuring five tattooed pigs. Pigs that then become genuine works of art. Attentive visitors don’t seem overly shocked. Fanny, a biologist, confides that she has always been very sensitive to “work on animals.” Most of the people present are curious but not shocked.
However, aside from the controversial aspect of using animals, the artist also approaches religion in a very original way. Around sculptures of crucifixes, an art student shares his surprise: “I didn’t expect an exhibit on religion, but it’s well-done work.” The public wanders around very accessible sculptures and models and seems very open to this form of art. The guide accompanying a group of students gently mocks the protesters: “It seems to me that we are in a century where republican values can be interpreted freely.”
Seeing all the delighted visitors, one wonders where the debate is and who these famous protesters are. It’s later that we understand. The museum’s receptionist explains: “We received several emails accusing the museum of not respecting animal protection.” There is even regretful remembrance of the inauguration. During it, there was indeed an altercation between the artist and his opponents.
“It is a shame that some do not understand.” To prove this to us, a father came this morning with his two children. Explaining to the children that these are works of art, that the animals are not suffering, is the real challenge. Because it should be known that the artist has created a farm in China where two veterinarians raise and care for the animals.
Faced with accusations from animal rights organizations, this is indeed how the artist justifies himself. Each animal is anesthetized before being tattooed. In China, he regularly exhibits live pigs. Wim Delvoye justifies himself by stating that his tattoos allow these pigs to be saved from slaughter for a few years.
Provoking, prompting reactions, that’s Wim Delvoye’s objective. And it works! At the entrance, there’s humor, “people say they’re coming to see the pigs.” The large poster visible along the avenue draws in many. Visitors admit they were drawn by the controversy and the originality of the works. And as we know, it is often when an artist shocks that they are remembered.
