Description
Book SynopsisOffers a study and perspective on the relationship between politics and the art found in American zoos and aquariums. This book examines the ways that zoos and aquariums have successfully served as sculptural gardens for the masses. It also contains art and architecture that convey political messages about both the patrons and the animals.
Trade ReviewPolitical Animals is a thorough history of how one cultural institution has negotiated the relationship between its public and its collection, using art as a mediator. -- Harry Sheff * Public Art Review *
Overlooked by scholars but looked over daily by visitors, artworks in the nation's zoos and aquariums reveal Americans' evolving understanding of animals and themselves. In this much welcome contribution, authors Jesse Donahue and Erik Trump examine the means by which public art at the public zoo testifies not only humans' relationship to other animals. Such art engages political debates about the nature of democracy and aesthetics, about scientific research and religious belief, and, finally, about animal rights and the nature of Nature itself. Political Animals extends current discussions of the role of the arts in a democracy as it critically examines Americans' stewardship of the animal kingdom... -- Shirley Teresa Wajda, Kent State University
Overlooked by scholars but looked over daily by visitors, artworks in the nation's zoos and aquariums reveal Americans' evolving understanding of animals and themselves. In this much welcome contribution, authors Jesse Donahue and Erik Trump examine the means by which public art at the public zoo testifies not only humans' relationship to other animals. Such art engages political debates about the nature of democracy and aesthetics, about scientific research and religious belief, and, finally, about animal rights and the nature of Nature itself. Political Animals extends current discussions of the role of the arts in a democracy as it critically examines Americans' stewardship of the animal kingdom. -- Shirley Teresa Wajda, Kent State University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Science for the Millions: Realistic Animals in Temples Chapter 2 Animal Art for the People: The New Deal to the 1960s Chapter 3 Making Animals Accessible Through Art: Representational Art Revisited Chapter 4 Exposing Human Violence: Postmodern Animal Art Chapter 5 The Politics of Diversity: Ethnic and Religious Art
