Livestock farmers working on small surfaces, lab meat, cute pets, robots in animal form: the relationship between animals and humans often leads to intense discussions. How can humans and animals live together in a sustainable way and which possibilities do technology and science offer for the future? Artists and designers embark on a revealing search for answers. The curators selected Vanmechelen's work 'Under My Skin' for this group exhibition; a majestic coat made from the chicken feathers of the Mechelen Silky, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful crossbreeds to emanate from the Cosmopolitan Chicken Project. With this work, Vanmechelen emphasises the co-evolution of man and chicken, and the collaboration between artist/human and animal.
Animals have always played an important role for humans - as food, as scientific test objects, as hunting trophies and as playmates. Today they’re even grown in laboratories, which raises the question whether these ‘creatures’ are animals at all.
Searching for the ‘right balance’, designers create products for animals and research opportunities to replace animal resources (and even animals themselves). At the same time, they design scenarios that look to the future.
The curators selected Vanmechelen’s 'Under My Skin' for this group exhibition.
The feathers for this monumental coat are from the 15th generation of Koen Vanmechelen's Cosmopolitan Chicken Project, a crossbreeding project using local chicken breeds from all over the world. The Mechelen Silky is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful crossbreeds to emanate from this project. With the Chinese Silky as its father, the feathers of this species have a unique silky splendor. With this project, Vanmechelen emphasises the co-evolution of man and chicken and the collaboration between artist/human and animal. Who benefits? Man's chicken or chicken's man?
* All animals whose feathers were used for the coat died a natural death.
EXHIBITION FACTS
Dieren op maat
May 17 – September 29, 2019
More information at
www.designmuseumgent.be
