Vegan Art: A Book of Visual Protest

by Tommy Kane (Editor)

Illustrator Tommy Kane edits a timely showcase of the vegan art protest movement In this volume, the celebrated American illustrator Tommy Kane brings together a collection of contemporary vegan artists whose works grapple with one of the biggest issues of our century and confront our conflicted relationship with animals.

With diverse contributions, Vegan Art combines a passion for art as a language with the rebellion against animal abuse and exploitation, with the belief that art should be a mechanism for social change. The iconography of the book is purposefully graphic and controversial. From utopian depictions of a world that vegans are fighting for, to dark dystopian impressions and brutal, bloody mutilations of nonhuman animals in industrial agriculture, the project tests the potential of our humanity and asks for equality for all species.

Including violent imagery and references to major food corporations such as McDonald's, the project is unflinching in its advocacy of veganism and animal rights. Vegan Art engenders a sense of humility with a shared view that art has the power to move people to be informed consumers.

Artists include : Tommy Kane, Helen Barker, Melina Hegedus, Philip McCulloch-Downs, Rob MacInnis, Milk DoNg Comics, Dan Piraro, Sue Coe, Jane Lewis, Hartmut Kiewert, Jo-Anne McArthur, Tommy Flynn, Caroletta, Chantal Poulin Durocher, Andrew Tilsley, Jo Frederiks, Cameron O’Steen, Dana Ellyn, Roland Straller, Cynical Coyote, Kate Louise Powell

Genres: Nonfiction

163 pages, Hardcover

Published June 7, 2022

Reviews

[Madeleine]

Found by chance in my college library. Some gorgeous, truly imaginative, compassionate and deeply moving work by Hartmut Kiewer and Rob MacInnis in particular as well as several touching artist statements. I prefer the quieter empathic art to the rest, but it was a worthwhile poring over.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic collection of art! It breaks your heart over and over again and makes you reevaluate all your relationships with people, animals, and this planet, our shared home. I already got another copy for my parents.

[Lesley Bergen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vegan Art is my third Tommy Kane art book in my collection. This one a little different from the others. Why because the images are uncomfortable and concerning but they’re very necessary. Every talented artist who has contributed to this collection of protest works is to be admired. I feel their empathy, compassion, and a longing for justice and peace in every art work featured.

I’m a vegan artist but honestly if I were to express my deep concerns over the cruel animal agriculture food industry using my art, it would take me to a very dark place that I might have trouble leaving. So I’m extremely grateful to Tommy and the contributing artists in this book for their bravery and strength in making this book.

If there ever was a time for an art book that needs to be seen this is it. Vegan Art: A Book of Visual Protest should be on the coffee table of every person who’s concerned about climate change, who has great respect for nature, and who feels a deep connection to other species besides their own who share this planet.

I wish it was compulsory reading/viewing for every meat and dairy consumer who knows deep down inside there is something very wrong with the animal agriculture industry. This book could very well be the much needed
inspiration to shift their perspective to one that is more empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive to all of our earth’s inhabitants.

It’s a protest book, a love letter to those who suffer the worst and a call for all of us to do better. True justice, freedom and equality for all the races, genders, and the variety of glorious and beautiful forms of life that share this little green and blue planet will only exist if we humans look into the eyes of all species and creatures and see our deep connection.

Thank you Tommy❤️✨

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this curation--evocative, inspiring, real. I'm a fan of Tommy Kane's work and am fascinated with these inclusions.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful yet graphic art work and a very interesting book.