The "School strike for the Climate" of animals. In Milan, an installation against environmental collapse

Dejected and distressed by environmental problems, some animals decide to oppose it. They belong to different species, they come from every corner of the world, but they are united by a feeling of frustration and indignation towards those who do not spare any form of life from their work of destruction and exploitation. The animals, led by a mixed-breed dog, come together to defend the right to inhabit a lush world, full of life, not dried up by petty interests.

This is “Animal Shout”, an installation by Alberto Michelon, artist from Padua who applies the taxidermy technique (embalming) to contemporary art. The installation can be seen at the Frigografici Milanesi (Milan) until 14 October.

“The idea for this installation was born from the idea of give voice to subjects who usually only speak through third parties – explained the artist – I had imagined setting it up outside natural history museums, I liked to think that the stuffed animals that usually “live” in museums had decided to come out in protest, to express their opinion and concern towards ongoing climate change, but also towards intensive farming and all those phenomena that are distorting their habitat and therefore their very existence”.

“Their protest not only calls for radical change, but reflects dismay in the face of the true, incomprehensible tragedy: the fact that the human species seems on the verge of losing the sense of poetry, of enchantment, of wonder for nature” he then added.

To date there is no official register reserved for taxidermists but in a 2017 census there was there were fewer than 20 in all of Italy but of these only 17 were the “official” ones, i.e. with a business registered with the Chamber of Commerce. The documentary “Taxiderman” (2021) by Rossella Laeng was dedicated precisely to Michelon’s artistic taxidermy.

No animals were killed for this project: the animals in fact come from donations from private individuals and wildlife parks, or from random finds.