Art as Activism
Visuals and Victuals — Paintings by Loetitia S. Lilot
Veal Calf | 1995 | 10" x 14" | oils on board
The cruel treatment of this calf in the crate is the epitome of barbaric practices. The calf is chained up in a small space to prevent movement, fed on milk and vitamins to keep its flesh white, pumped up with hormones and antibiotics in an attempt to prevent disease; in addition, no light is allowed as it will make the calf more active, building muscles and making it's flesh less tender. In the painting, the distorted crate indicates that this is a distorted act of cruelty. The bluish hue throughout this bleak picture conveys a mood of unhappiness, despair and pain.