There are 5 choices, 10 votes for Weydon's debate

Does Animal Cruelty have any place in art?

I came across this story about an artist, who goes by the name Guillermo "Habacuc" Vargas. He paid some kids to catch a stray dog, chained it up at an art exhibit, and starved it. People came and looked at many items in the exhibit, including the dying dog and something on the wall across from it made out of dog food which translates to "You are what you read". The dog died. Vargas won some sort of award, and has been invited to do this again.

Google it or search youtube for more info. Here is one I came across:




If that didn't work: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3-jIP8i1djg



If you are against this, here is a petition to help end it

http://www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/petition.html
  • Disgusting
    This goes way too far. Insulting religions in the name of "art" and freedom of expression is one thing. It's terrible, but it's idiots begging for attention and fame towards their talentless selves. Ignoring them is the best way to punish such daring "artists".

    But this is entirely different. If he wants his 15 minutes of infamy, and awards(?!), then he can have it. This is not merely something idiotic and mean spirited, it is the torture of a living animal that could easily provide comfort and love to a family. The dog looks so well behaved as it's starving to death in front of guests.

    I'd condone EATING dogs more than I would this. At least that would be a cultural difference and a need for food--and humane treatment of animal up until it's SWIFT death. This is just senseless, inhumane, and horrid torture. It is NOT, by any means, art.

    I STRONGLY urge and humbly ask that all of you out there go to this site and sign the petition. An animal has been tortured to death, another is on the way, and a precedent for art's immunity to humanity is being set.

    http://www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/petition.html
    40%  Voted for by Weydon, NeferMaatNetjer, Oral Fixation, neonmad.
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  • it's art
    if fashion runways with skeletal models can be construed as art, than so can this.

    and before you all scream and shout, i think both scenarios are pretty atrocious. i am merely answering the question "is it art." i wonder if he did this in the us? he'd be in jail if he did.
    20%  Voted for by sekmhet eye of ra, Hardhittn63.
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  • only if something dies
    Animal cruelty has its place in art. If we can depict Jesus at his crucification, we can show animal cruelity. However, if someone is harm, like in this example, then no, i would not consider it art.
    20%  Voted for by Gyne and Tonic, Weydon.
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  • whoa now
    I had read that the dog wasnt mistreated by this man at all. I read it on a Facebook group petitioning against it as well. It said that he indeed did caught this dog and chain it up but while the every three or so hours he gave the dog water and food. It also said the dog didnt die and that the man was trying to show how many mistreated and homeless dogs there are and kind of sucker people into helping them out. I dont know which version is true but Im gonna look into it. Thought everyone might be interested in this side of what I had heard.
    Voted for by Stepherz804.
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  • Sickos...
    People never cease to amaze me.
    I think I'll strip naked and go frolic with the feral cats around town.
    Voted for by Oral Fixation.
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