Use of animal figures in contemporary art practices in the context of subject-object

This thesis explores the transformations of animal figures used in art, throughout Western history until the present day. The research is a detailed study of the animal figures in modern and contemporary art and it starts with the symbolic meanings of the animal figure in Ancient Greece. The transformations in the use of animal figures are discussed in each historical era and within its visual representations. Focusing on the representations, this study takes into account all art movements and approaches that took place from Antiquity to Postmodernity. Alongside the art historical reading, the socio-cultural status of animals in each era, were considered. The following identities and aesthetic values articulated with these statuses were read through artistic productions. The impact of the use of animals in contemporary art practices, on the audience, the individual and society has been investigated. The given examples of artworks have been interpreted within the mutual relations between the audience, artist and the animal. Following these new relations, the issue of animal rights in the 21st century has been examined and attitudes towards animals in historical periods have been discussed with ethical approaches. With understand the formation of animal figures in art and their transformation in the historical processes, along with observing the changing identity of the animal as the 'other', is another way to understand human identity and social structures. A better comprehension of art historical processes enables us to understand today's contemporary art practices and makes it possible to re-think about the animal question posed by artworks, that constantly add new dimensions to the human-animal relationship.