Frank with Toy Duck
Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, UK.
11 July, 2012
Moving image work, DVD 8.42 mins
Selected for the short film programme at the International Society for Anthrozoology conference The arts and sciences of human–animal interaction, Cambridge University. The work documents a Jack Russell terrier’s reaction to a squeaking toy duck sold in pet shops. It serves as a reminder of an animal’s inherent instincts as the untrained hunting dog eviscerates another (toy) animal. Over time the duck (and therefore the film) becomes silent, and in spite of the violent actions of the dog, the room remains clean. It is one of a series of 5 works (2010-12) in which I have videoed the dog’s actions (including documenting him exploring gallery spaces after hours) with the resulting artworks challenging the viewer to consider humankind’s constructed perception of the natural world and our complex relationship with animals.
Related projects:
Frank, The Engine Room, Tracks 1 & 2
Frank, RMIT Gallery, Tracks 1 & 2 superimposed
Stills from Frank with Toy Duck
