© Leigh Voight 2006 ....Science Art-Birds

Title: Lunch under the Shinus molle, Arusha
Species: chicken (Gallus domesticus)
Artist: Leigh Voight (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size:
Media: oil on canvas
Date: 2006

The human population is surpassed by the chicken population.

Raising chickens in close proximity to people, and raising them in dense flocks increase the risk of virulent forms of the virus gaining a foot hold. As a result, husbandry practices are changing--from the rural market place where live birds are displayed to consumers, to the factory farms where chickens carpet mammoth sheds that are seen as potential pandemic hatcheries.

The artist makes another point, "Living in Africa, I am always surprised at the blatant cruelty shown to these chickens in the way they are tied together to await their inevitable slaughter. However, on reflection, I realize this tradition is universal. I have seen it in many countries. It would be hypocritical of me to pass judgment, as my supper chicken was slaughtered at one time too, albeit not under my gaze. The only difference being that it is presented to me, cleaned and shrink wrapped at the supermarket. I cannot deny, though that I am hardening towards the practice as, in doing the painting, I was attracted more by the graceful patterns of their feathers and the shadows on the stony ground than the desperation of their plight."