Ali Tareen

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an art piece I made 5 years ago that feels more relevant today than ever before

5 years ago I made this piece of rats wearing masks, patiently waiting for something to happen. It was a protest piece on how cosmetic companies wrongfully test their products on animals, so I subverted the role-play of humans with rats. Looking back at it now during this pandemic, it reads differently to me. When I look at it now, the rats are now us, anxious, with masks on, not social distancing, but waiting for something positive to happen. It seems like this piece is more relevant now. Tell me what you think about it and how it makes you feel.