A profound and ambitious art exhibition was installed on the grassy grounds of the National Mall in Washington, DC on 13 July 2023. Curated by Washington state’s own celebrated artist, Quill Hyde, and sponsored by the internationally renowned animal rights organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the exhibition provocatively named The Council of Animals (What to Do About the Humans) posed a compelling question: “If animals communicated in a language comprehensible to us, what narrative would they spin about humanity?”
Against the backdrop of the iconic landscape of the National Mall, The Council of Animals (What to Do About the Humans) exhibition unfolded a majestic tableau of towering steel and aluminum sculptures, each representing a different member of the animal kingdom. The meticulously crafted life-size masterpieces articulated a powerful narrative about our often convoluted relationship with our fellow creatures of the earth.
The co-founder of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, filled the unveiling ceremony with her characteristic passion and dedication. Her eloquent address outlined the core philosophy of the exhibit, urging people to empathize with animals and confront the brutal realities many of them endure because of human actions. She emphasized that the exhibition’s primary objective was not to incriminate but to enlighten and provoke a shift in perspective.
“Through the lens of art, we aim to amplify the silent voices of animals, deepening our understanding of their inherent rights, needs, and desires,” Newkirk asserted. “Each sculpture stands as a diplomatic envoy of its species, compelling us into introspection on our ethical obligations towards all life forms.”
Yet the unveiling was not lacking in discord. A group of protestors assembled at the periphery of the event, brandishing placards that cast criticisms on PETA’s methodologies and ideologies. But rather than overshadow the exhibition’s essence, this opposition served to ignite further discourse about humans’ complex relationship with animals.
Hyde’s exhibition has engendered resonating impact, catalyzing many conversations surrounding animal rights. The Council of Animals (What to Do About the Humans) can thus be argued to have achieved its aspirational mission: to interrogate, to stimulate, and to inspire. Perspectives on the exhibition may diverge, but one indisputable fact persists – through the potent medium of art, Quill Hyde and PETA have successfully kindled awareness and initiated critical discourse on the condition of animals, challenging people to re-evaluate our role in conserving global biodiversity.
