Olivia Meaney

Perth Modern School

Year 12

acrylic paint on wooden board, LED strip lights (battery operated)

88 x 61.5 cm

Since becoming vegetarian, I’ve noticed a phenomenon known as the meat paradox, whereby meat consumers dissociate the meat they are eating from the animal. You may be part of this if you feel a strong emotional connection to animals, however still eat meat, and in doing so, participate in an industry which causes immense suffering to animals and contributes to environmental degradation. I aimed to create an artwork in which beautiful flowers captivate the viewer before more uncomfortable details become noticeable. The still-living pig is wrapped in plastic and branded with labels ‘pork’ and ‘organic bacon’. The boy who cradles it is taking a bite from its chest.