We are joined by Claudia Hirtenfelder, host of "The Animal Turn" podcast, and artist Shannon Johnstone, known for her "Landfill Dogs" project. Together, they engage in a fascinating roundtable discussion about Banksy’s recent animal-themed murals in London, known as the "London Zoo" series. This episode is not just about interpreting art; it's about what these artworks mean for our understanding of animals in urban spaces.
Is there an implicit message about humans' treatment of animals within these urban landscapes? Is that even the right question?
Meet the Guests:
Claudia Hirtenfelder and Shannon Johnstone bring their unique perspectives to the table. Claudia, with her expertise in urban and animal studies, explores the intersections of geography and animal presence in cities. Shannon, whose artistic work focuses on animal depiction, is intrigued by how the art world often ignores the animals themselves as subjects.
Analyzing Banksy's Animal Images
The panel dives into the ambiguous nature of Banksy's work, questioning why animals are more commonly seen as metaphors for human society than as subjects in their own right. Claudia notes an Instagram comment that highlights people walking past the murals without noticing the animals, a symbolic reflection of how society often overlooks animals in urban settings.
Claudia shares an intriguing observation about the presence of animals in urban environments, challenging the conventional notion of which animals are considered urban. She argues that many animals, including those in zoos, are indeed part of urban landscapes and that our perceptions are shaped by cultural and geographical contexts.
The Role of Art in Animal Welfare
Shannon and Claudia discuss art's power to change perceptions and highlight animal welfare issues. They suggest that art should not only capture animal experiences but also provoke thought about human responsibility toward protecting animal habitats and rights.
The Ethical Dilemma of Zoos and Aquariums
A critical discussion unfolds about the role of zoos, touching on the ethical implications of keeping animals in captivity. The panel questions whether zoos genuinely connect people with wildlife or simply serve as consumption spaces devoid of deeper empathy or understanding.
Claudia advocates for the use of VR as a more ethical way to engage with animals, offering immersive experiences that educate without the need for captivity. This technological approach could transform how future generations understand and empathize with non-human creatures.
Art's Role in Shaping Our Perception of Animals
Finally, the roundtable underscores the importance of art in reshaping our perceptions of animals. Shannon hopes for a future where art challenges us not just to reconsider zoos but to see animals as part of our ecosystem, deserving of autonomy and respect.
This episode invites listeners to rethink their own perceptions and the ways in which art can illuminate the unseen relationships between humans and animals.
Join us next week on "The Deal with Animals" for a special episode from "The Animal Turn," continuing our exploration of animal creativity and art.
Guests: Claudia Towne Hirtenfelder began the Animal Turn in February 2020 as a culmination of her interests in animals, ethics, and media.
In 2023, Claudia completed her PhD in Geography at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. She examined the historical problematization of cows in Kingston, Ontario and has broad interests in how animal histories and geographies are told. Her scholarly interests sit in the intersection of geography, urban studies, animal studies, history and power relations.
Claudia also has an MSc in the Social Studies of Gender from Lund University in Sweden; as well as an MA in Tourism and Management, a BA(Hons) in Political Science and a BA in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg.
In terms of the airwaves: Claudia was a host on the campus radio station, UJFM. She was also a news reporter intern for Classic FM and the founder and former host of Beyond Canada: International Thought and Scholarship.
Claudia's favourite past times are enjoying her husband's vegan cooking, getting into complex conversations, walking her doggo Linus, cycle-touring, travelling, reading, and watching crappy movies.
You can find Claudia on Twitter (@ClaudiaFTowne)
Mary Shannon Johnstone received her BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and MFA in photography from Rochester Institute of Technology.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including "Pause, To Begin" artist, Critical Mass Top 50 (2009, 2010), and Honorable Mention in Lens Culture's 2010 International Exposure Awards.
Her project "Landfill Dogs" became a 2013 Critical Mass Finalist, received "Best in Show" at "Puppy Love" exhibition in GA, and is one of the 2014 Review Santa Fe 100.
"Landfill Dogs" has been featured in national and international exhibitions and magazines, and was on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer in December 2013, and CNN's website in November 2014.
Johnstone is a tenured Associate Professor at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC
Book Recommendations: Claudia's Recommendations- Mother Cow, Mother India: A Multispecies Politics of Dairy in India by Yamini Narayanan, Beyond Words by Cark Safina and What a Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins by Jonathan Balcombe
Shannon's Recommendation- We Animals by Jo-anne Mcarthur.
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