In Defense of Science: The Folly of Emotive Thinking in Conservation
In Defense of Science: The Folly of Emotive Thinking in Conservation Roger Ballen’s exhibit , "The End of the Game," uses grotesque taxidermy and provocative imagery to challenge viewers and critique not only trophy hunting, but utilization of natural resources as a whole. While visually compelling, the exhibit and associated anti-hunting rhetoric oversimplify complex conservation issues, often disregarding the nuanced realities faced by those who live with wildlife daily. Further, the obvious intrinsic value lens used by the artist is archaic and outdated- seeing man and nature as two separate entities. This critique argues for the conservation value of trophy hunting and utilisation conservation as a whole, while criticizing the exclusionist principles often championed by those detached from practical conservation efforts. Conservation is a complex and dynamic endeavor encompassing economics, human relations, agriculture, and much more. Traditionally, conservation focused o...