Three piglets that were set to be starved as part of a controversial art exhibit in Denmark have been stolen, according to the artist’s statement on Wednesday. The installation sparked a global outcry for its ethical implications.
Chilean-born artist Marco Evaristti aimed to bring attention to the suffering in mass meat production through his art piece, which was displayed in Copenhagen. As part of the shocking exhibit, the piglets, named Lucia, Simon, and Benjamin, were denied food and water and were intended to starve, serving as a provocative statement on industrial animal farming.
However, the exhibit took an unexpected turn when animal rights activists, with the help of the artist’s friend, Caspar Steffensen, removed the piglets. “I reported the theft to the police on Saturday and subsequently had to close the exhibition. Initially, I was disappointed when Caspar confessed his involvement,” Evaristti revealed, admitting also to receiving numerous hate messages.
“After some reflection, I decided it was better this way since the piglets now have a chance at a happy life,” he noted.
Copenhagen police confirmed on Wednesday that they were alerted about the theft of the pigs from the exhibit. Evaristti’s exhibition, titled “And Now You Care,” was staged in a gallery using shopping carts as cages for the piglets. The aim was to shock audiences into awareness about the cruel realities of modern pig farming.
Animal Protection Denmark points out that sows in the country are bred to produce about 20 piglets at a time but only have 14 teats, which results in competition and starvation for the unluckiest piglets. While some animal rights groups appreciated initiatives to spotlight industry practices, they opposed Evaristti’s methods of using live animals.
Steffensen explained his actions by saying he could not bear to let the piglets suffer a cruel death, especially after his 10-year-old daughter pleaded with him. “An activist reached out, and I allowed them to take the animals on Saturday,” he told reporters.
Initially, Steffensen kept the piglets’ removal a secret from Evaristti. However, the involvement came to light after the organization De Glemte Danske made an online statement on Tuesday about rescuing the animals.
Evaristti is contemplating how to continue his provocative exhibition. He has mentioned considering the use of deceased piglets from processing plants or potentially auctioning new piglets to people who can ensure them a better life.
“I’ve faced global backlash, which shows few people understand that my art is fundamentally about animal rights,” Evaristti said regarding the mixed reception to his work.
