Sirens of the Lambs / by Environmental Humanities Hub

Banksy, British

Sirens of the Lambs, 2013

Sirens of the Lambs by Banksy aims to bring attention to the grim reality of the meat industry. Puppets resembling childhood muppets, familiar to many, were taken on a tour around New York City, starting in the meatpacking district. These puppets emitted distressing squeals that resonated throughout the city. The artist cleverly tugs at the public’s heartstrings by drawing a parallel between animals in the meat industry and their childhood stuffed animals. This tactic aims to evoke a deeper sense of empathy from the audience. Unlike much of the art focused on the meat industry, which tends to be quite disturbing, Banksy's approach draws viewers in and plays with their emotions. It is a shocking yet not repulsive way of reaching a wider audience. Label by Jackson Smith