Don't Let Another Dog Starve for "Art!"
In August 2007, artist Guillermo Vargas shocked the art world and animal lovers with his controversial "starving dog" exhibit in Nicaragua. The cruel exhibit involved tying an emaciated stray dog in a corner with no food or water in an attempt to make an ironic statement about human callousness toward homeless animals. Patrons of Vargas' show were instructed not to feed or care for the dog in any way.
Circumstances of the exhibition are unclear, but many believe that the dog died a slow death from starvation. In any case, photo evidence shows that the dog was clearly undernourished and forced to lie on an uncomfortable floor with no access to water while on display.
The Central American Biennial of Art has recently invited Vargas to recreate his famous exhibition using a different live dog. Please sign the petition to prevent another dog from suffering in the name of art.
We, the undersigned, are disturbed by your decision to invite Guillermo Vargas to recreate his controversial "starving dog" exhibit. While rumors about the dog's death have not been verified, photo evidence shows that the animal used in the original exhibit was clearly undernourished and forced to lie on an uncomfortable floor without access to water.
Animal cruelty and human callousness toward homeless animals is a real problem that deserves to be addressed. Having said that, Vargas' exhibit is not simply a statement about animal cruelty; it
is animal cruelty. Enabling Vargas to move forward with this exhibit endangers another dog and sets a poor example for other artists.
Please reconsider your decision to support cruelty in the name of art. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
