#DONTFEEDYOURINNERBEAST - 2019

#DONTFEEDYOURINNERBEAST is an art event that combines elements of art and social media. The sculptures, which consist of copper masks depicting a pig's head, have been displayed worldwide. Artists and activists are then encouraged to take photos of themselves with the mask and share them using the hashtag #DONTFEEDYOURINNERBEAST. This movement supports the fight against police violence and advocates for a democratic society that can accommodate activism.

The "My Inner Beast" art event was initiated in 1993 and has become one of the largest street art events in Europe. Illegally placed 1-ton sculptures representing beasts were positioned in public spaces across 10 countries, serving as a warning that the inner beast would once again play a significant role in European politics.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of this art event, artist Jens Galschiøt revived his old project, this time using small, unique copper masks of the beast's head bearing the text "DON'T FEED YOUR INNER BEAST." The event commenced in Kassel, Germany, during the 2017 Dokumenta14 art exhibition. Since then, the masks have been displayed globally, appearing in government offices, newspaper headquarters, NGO locations, alongside activists, artists, exhibition venues, slums, castles, and walls in numerous cities.

In support of the Democracy movement in Hong Kong, hundreds of these street art copper masks have already been sent to Hong Kong. They will soon be distributed among activists and artists, urging them to use the art pieces actively and creatively to advocate against police violence, promote democracy, and demand the release of imprisoned activists.

For the Hong Kong art manifestation, Galschiøt plans to make the movement go viral. He encourages prominent artists, cultural figures, politicians, and others to take photos with the sculpture and share them on social media using the hashtag #dontfeedyourinnerbeast. This action supports the message of rejecting the "Beast" and embracing humane behavior and democracy in Hong Kong.

A special filter has been designed for Facebook and Instagram, featuring the sculpture and accompanying text. Users can insert their photos and participate in the art project digitally without having the physical sculpture. Galschiøt also urges fellow artists to employ their creativity and share their photos with the hashtag #DON’TFEEDYOURINNERBEAST.

2019 is the year of the pig (or the beast) in China, so it might explain the behaviour of the policemen in Hong Kong.....

Jens Galschiøt using the Facebook frame. Artist Kacey Wongwith one of the sculptures.

Photos

• #DONTFEEDYOURINNERBEAST