INTERNET USERS GIVEN POWER TO SHOOT RAT USING THEIR KEYBOARDS IN CONTROVERSIAL ART EXPERIMENT
"The German artist Florain Mehnert has launched an experiment that will give web users the power to shoot a rat with a click of their keyboard or smartphone.
Beginning today (14 March 2015), Florian Mehnert will set up a webcam to broadcast a rat living in its enclosure for 11 days. On March 24 the rodent will be left to the mercy of anonymous internet users and a loaded gun.
Mehnert said that the installation, called 11 Days, is a protest against the use of military drones - both as weapons and as tools of surveillance.
The 44-year-old said that he expected protests but said that he "has to cross borders" and wanted to show that people can kill using the internet.
"A rat dies for the service of art. I would also prefer it would not be necessary. But people nowadays are so jaded because art has to commit a transgression," Mehnert told.
People have registered for their chance to take pot shots at the rat, with a survey on the website showing that almost 40% of voters thought the rodent should die.
The Germany animal welfare laws prohibit the infliction of pain, suffering or injury on an animal without reasonable cause, but as Mehnert will not be the person pulling the trigger, it is unclear if he can be held responsible if the rat is shot."
Please sign petitions and send this "artist"
an email: studio@florianmehnert.de
Florian Mehnert: in desperate need to be in the center of attention.
True artist, I think, is someone who is creating goodness in the world & true art is the product of love.
