Pei Xiang Deacon
SCEGGS Darlinghurst
SHUT DOWN
Collection of Work
Drawings on paper, wire sculpture, acrylic on board, found objects
My body of work represents the repetitive cycle, impact and abusive culture of greyhound racing. The large scale ‘portrait’ grounds the work in subjectivity, while images and text from online betting apps and phone screens highlight the ease of betting and anonymous participation in animal cruelty. I recontextualised historic photographs and used found objects to represent the deaths and treatment of dogs in this system. This work is dedicated to the thousands of greyhounds that are killed every year, the volunteers who work tirelessly to save them and the greyhounds that are hopefully awaiting their families and homes.
Marker's Commentary
Shut Down is a personal and passionate exploration of animal welfare issues in greyhound racing, particularly documenting the cruelty and neglect of greyhounds. Each of the melancholic images, references particular symbols of racing, reflecting the barbaric nature of this sport. Small, barren, single dog kennels where dogs are kept for prolonged periods of time are carefully rendered in succession. The softly drawn toy rabbits, reminiscent of a well-loved child’s toy alludes to live baiting practices. Wire muzzles are intricately constructed and mounted on board while drawn mobile phones depict the ease of betting on races, at the expense of the welfare of these exploited animals. Empty dog collars suggest the superfluous nature of greyhounds easily discarded. Tightly cropped, monochromatic, photographic images from observations at the track provide context for this emotionally charged artwork. The greyhound is evocatively painted in a sombre palette, engaging the viewer in its stare. It champions the greyhound for itself, boldly painted and central to the panel. This body of work consistently narrates the story that animal cruelty is widespread and entrenched in the industry.