Mircea Cantor, The Need for Uncertainty (2008). Picture © Mircea Cantor, courtesy Yvon Lambert, Paris, New York
An animal rights group has accused a London arts centre of cruelty to animals after it opened an exhibition featuring two live peacocks in a cage.
Animal Defenders International has written to the Camden Arts Centre in London to voice dismay over The Need For Uncertainty, a display by award-winning Romanian artist Mircea Cantor which runs until the middle of April.
“I am appalled by the use of live animals in this art exhibit to demonstrate the limitations on freedom,” said ADI Chief Executive Jan Creamer. “These peacocks are in a barren, sterile environment, deprived of any interest or enrichment.
“They have no means to escape the stares of the public, which all animals find intimidating. Animals should not be exploited for human entertainment in this way.”
In a statement aiming to address key questions surrounding the welfare of the birds, the Arts Centre argued they had taken care to heed advice from “a diverse range of specialists.”
“The RSPCA were consulted at an early stage and a vet has been in to check them and is on call should we need them,” said a spokesperson. “I think it is worth mentioning that these are bred birds rather than wild peacocks.
“We have been informed by the RSPCA and other specialists that we are taking all responsible steps to ensure that the animals are well cared for. The birds have come from an RSPCA-recommended peacock farm in Norfolk, and will be returned there at the end of the exhibition.
“London Vetinary College made an inspection of the birds on their arrival at the gallery and periodic inspections will be made on a fortnightly basis thereafter. We have a report stating that the birds are in good physical condition.”
The birds are Indian Blue varieties of opposite genders, both of around two years of age, held in a gallery where the heating has been switched off in cages containing three perches at different heights.
The Centre, which claims the welfare of the peacocks is “of primary concern”, has been quizzed by local council representatives and anticipates a further visit from an animal welfare officer once the show has finished.
Cantor’s project claims to inspire “reflections on worlds within worlds” and “freedom and its limitations,” a hypothesis Creamer is particularly unimpressed with.
“Regardless of the size of the cage, or other efforts to care for these animals, Camden Arts Centre should be ashamed of itself for using living animals in this trivial and crass way just for entertainment,” he said.
