Ting Wai Tang
Carlingford High School
RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES
Collection of Work
Watercolour, gouache, wool, felt, clay
Historically, greyhounds have been exploited for gambling which has ended tragically for many of these dogs. In my body of work my intention is to intrigue and shock the audience, thus reshaping its perception of inhumane sports. The satirical, grotesque representations of greyhounds in my work question the ethics of using animals for entertainment and the bizarre lengths humans have gone to make profits. Using distortion, it communicates the injuries they have sustained from racing and being in cramped kennels. The bank notes reference the profits made from greyhound racing and abuse.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Cindy Wright; Mitchell Villa; Ryan Presley, Blood Money.
Marker's Commentary
Running for Their Lives is an ambitious collection of work offering a powerful commentary on the injuries and suffering endured by greyhounds in the racing industry. The sculptures, extending beyond their frames, use aggressive expressions to depict the physical and emotional torment of the dogs. The text on the trophy and banknotes underscores the horrific data surrounding the industry, while the use of satire and irony critiques the disconnect between the sport’s glamour and the reality of animal cruelty.
The bas-relief felted sculptures, with their monstrous, contorted canine heads, evoke a sinister narrative. The inclusion of symbolic imagery such as the infinity symbol, stadiums and leashes, reinforce the cyclical nature of the suffering. The trophy cup, with a greyhound at rest after a lifetime of suffering, contrasts elegance with tragedy, while the stylised greyhounds on the handles suggest transcendence.
The paintings, in a demure colour palette, balance wit and horror, drawing the viewer into the emotional complexity of the subject. The contorted faces of the dogs amplify the agony and torment they experience. The sophisticated use of materials demonstrates how material resolution can enhance both conceptual strength and meaning, deepening the emotional impact of the work. This body of work merges technical skill with a powerful social critique, blending satire, symbolic imagery, and emotional depth in a compelling exploration of the greyhound racing industry