Cow tif 

Editor: This harrowing ink drawing, simply titled "Cow tif" by Sue Coe, depicts a cow crucified on a cross, blood dripping down. It feels like an extremely potent and provocative critique. How do you interpret this work within a historical and social context? Curator: It's undoubtedly confrontational. Coe frequently uses social realism to expose uncomfortable truths about our relationship with animals and the meat industry. Think about the late 20th century – increasing awareness of animal rights coupled with the rise of graphic journalism. How do you see this piece fitting into those trends? Editor: I see it as a powerful indictment of factory farming, maybe a sort of secular and animal-centered "pietà." Is Coe trying to equate animal suffering with religious iconography to amplify her message? Curator: Precisely. By appropriating the imagery of Christian martyrdom, she challenges viewers to reconsider their moral obligations. It’s not simply about shock value; it is meant to disturb ingrained, often unacknowledged, cultural assumptions. The text itself also guides us, doesn't it? "If animals believed in God, the devil would look like a human being." Editor: Yes, it seems to suggest that humans, through their treatment of animals, embody a kind of evil. Do you think the ambiguity of the date this piece was created impacts its message in any way? Curator: I would argue not, given the relatively consistent historical conditions and politics concerning these images, irrespective of date. It emphasizes how enduring this struggle for animal rights has been, highlighting societal debates about industrialization and ethics, even today. A chilling but undeniably thought-provoking piece. Editor: Definitely! Understanding the historical forces that shaped this image helps me to appreciate it on a deeper, more critical level. Thanks!