Can art save lives? Vegan Georgia activists seem to think so. The exhibition “Siren Call,” opening August 30, is devoted to a very specific topic — aquatic animals, and their troubling existence in modern society. GEORGIA TODAY sat with Oleg Ozerov and Nini Turiashvili of Vegan Georgia, Vice President and curators of the project. They discussed the motivations and expectations behind the event.
Important notice! The “Siren Call”, originally planned to take place in Batumi will now be held at the “End of Summer”, a huge art festival here.
How did you get the idea to make a project that is dedicated to aquatic animals?
Oleg Ozerov is the Vegan Georgia Vice President, and curator of the Project: This is not our first exhibition, but it’s the first project we’ve done devoted to this special and fragile group of animals. Aquatic animals are the most commonly killed and neglected by habit. Fishermen and farmers do not even count their casualties in terms of individual animals, but instead by tons. Fish and other sea creatures account for the vast majority (over 90%) of all animals killed annually in the world. The problem goes beyond the mindless killing of fish by industrial nets: it is the human attitude. Science tells us the closer we are to certain animals in terms of physiology, the easier it will be for us to feel compassion and put ourselves in their shoes. Aquatic animals are the “outsiders” of all the animals killed to feed, because people find it difficult to relate with them. Animals killed for food account for 97% of all animal deaths in the world. We feel it is important to speak up for them and specifically about marine creatures. This project is a good place to start.
Do you think that art aimed at kindness, respect and love can change the world for the better?
In a single day, nothing and no one can alter the world. Art can’t either. I believe art can help people feel and think. All the revolutionary changes on our planet began with this tiny spark. You never know what project or artwork will ignite the flame. When I saw a “antifur sticker” on a bus, I became really interested in animal rights. I remember that moment, even though it was many years ago. Art can bring to light things that we tend to forget in our everyday lives, which are full of chaos and routine. This project’s goal is to bring these thoughts and emotions to the surface.
What are the other goals for this exhibition?
In terms of empathy, deep emotional connection and tendencies towards philosophical research, the art scene is very similar to the animal rights movement. Our antispeciesist approach to entering and developing this scene is a great journey that we are on together with the amazing people we encounter, building collaborations and communications. Even if no-one becomes vegan or takes up animal advocacy as a result of the show, it’s still important for us to be in sync with the art world. We are open-minded in many artistic activities and artists can be exposed to our beliefs and values in a comfortable and common way. In this project, we give artists from around the world a chance to express themselves on the issue of aquatic animal exploitation. Animals do not have a voice within our society. Therefore, humans – in this case, artists – and their art are the voices of the sea, demanding justice and compassion.
Why did you decide to plan this special exhibition in Batumi originally?
Nini Turiashvili is the Vegan Georgia president. She says that today, this type of event is very important, as the world faces an ecological crisis, and animal rights are at a historic turning point. On November 1, 2023 – World Vegan Day – we opened the first vegan exhibit in Georgia. This year, we chose to hold the exhibit in a different city. We chose Batumi. It is one of the most beautiful seaside cities, but unfortunately, it is also one that has a bad reputation for the destruction of marine wildlife and the pollution of water sources. Batumi, the largest tourist centre, is also where many artists who are interested in veganism or ecological issues gather. Unfortunately, Batumi has a dolphinarium. This is an object of cruel entertainment, which is incompatible with civilized society. We have been fighting against it for many years. We would like to dedicate this exhibition to the fight against dolphinariums and the oppression on marine life in general.
What is the ultimate goal of this project for you?
The main objective is to raise awareness about animal freedom in the public through art. The exhibition is aimed at educating the public about veganism, the dolphinarium, and the unfair side of animal abuse, as well as an eco-friendly way of living. Our extraordinary works will guide the visitors on this educational trip.
Vegan Georgia activists, and their supporters, are full of creative people. Do you think there is a connection between veganism and art?
In my experience, veganism and different types of art are often closely related. I am a self-taught art student, and I believe that my close relationship with art has influenced my worldview and my personal characteristics. Veganism and art are both non-conformist, require a different way of seeing the world, and require courage. I believe it is these similarities that allow many artists to choose veganism.
By Team GT
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