Sharks Patrol These Waters – Objectifying Animals in Postmodern Art
Sharks Patrol These Waters – Objectifying Animals in Postmodern Art

Summary/Abstract: A tiger shark, formaldehyde-preserved and suspended in a vitrine, presents a different way of animal representation in art. On the one hand, Damian Hirst initiated a completely novel way of using dead animals in art since his “Natural History” series; on the other, the material used may well qualify it as sculptural works. The shark attracted the visitors and media; however, Hirst made use of such animals as a cow, a sheep or a pig, as well. Nevertheless, the titles of his works remain engrossing and perplexing. The article focuses on the issues of how the animals, both those dead and (barely) living, have become elements of artworks. It also discusses selected works of Hirst, who himself is known as the most prominent member of the Young British Artists, and depicts the issue of animal objectification in postmodern art.

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