FREEDOM BEYOND HUMANITY

Title: FREEDOM BEYOND HUMANITY

"Challenging Traditions, Embracing Empathy"  

Freedom is not a privilege reserved just for humans but a fundamental right of all living beings. Yet, animals have long suffered under the guise of rituals and traditions—sacrificed, displayed, or used as offerings, stripped of their right to live without fear or pain. 

Rituals, meant to foster spirituality and harmony, lose their essence when they bring harm to innocent lives. Can faith ever justify suffering? True freedom transcends humanity—it embraces all beings.  

This painting portrays a 400-year-old tradition from Denmark: the annual slaughter of dolphins in the Faroe Islands. Such cruelty occurs worldwide, masked as cultural or ritualistic practice. Are we, as humans, worthy of our rights if we deny them to others?  

In 2021, animal rights activist Lukas Jensen exposed the Grindadráp, documenting the brutal killing of dolphins. His viral video sparked global outrage, protests, and calls for change, pressuring authorities to reevaluate this practice. Though the tradition persists, Lukas's actions ignited a powerful conversation, challenging deep-rooted customs and championing compassion over cruelty.  

Let empathy redefine tradition.

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Artist: SIYA SASANE