Connect with us

Subscribe

Subscribe

Junior Contributors

What is art for? Is it to make us think, beautify the world, or do both?

original abstract digital painting of human face with a cat, colorful composition in contemporary modern art, perfect for interior design, page decoration, web and other, vector illustration

BY KAHA GEDI

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word ”art”?

Something beautiful?

Something meaningful?

Something peculiar?

For many, art is a source of beauty or wonder, however what happens when it goes beyond aesthetics and makes us question our morals? What if an artist challenges our morality with ethical dilemmas? In this article, I will talk about ‘Helena & El Pescador’ by Marco Evaristti.

In the year 2000, an art exhibition took place called “Eye Go Black.” Let me set the scene for you. In the room there were lipsticks, military symbols, but then you see a table with blenders. These blenders were far from ordinary because there were live goldfish in them. The worst part being that there was an option to blend them, so these poor fishy lives were in the hands of the audience. You can only imagine that this artwork stole the whole exhibition.

Evaristti’s artwork was less about the fish, but more about the human mind, and how we respond when given the power of life, or death. He predicted there would be three types of people: The sadist, moralist, and the voyeur. And turns out he was more than correct, because someone blended one of the fish, and soon after the police were called. Let’s explore what might have been these personas ideologies when first seeing this art installation.

The Sadist

The Sadist would focus on the power they hold over the goldfish. They might think, “I have the power to end the fish’s life just by pressing this button. Why shouldn’t I? It’s within my control.” Blending the goldfish might excite them, because it shows their dominance over something vulnerable.

The Moralist

The Moralist would be mad at the thought of the goldfish in the blenders. They could think, “How could someone create something so cruel and unethical? It’s disgusting that this even exists.” They might see the artwork as an unethical exploitation of animals. They would either fight to try to save the goldfish or demand the removal of the installation entirely.

The Voyeur

The Voyeur would not press the button but would watch others to see if they do. They might think, “I wonder if someone else will do it, and how would everyone react? Will someone press the button, and what will that moment look like?” They are fascinated by watching how people will react to this situation, especially the tension between the sadist and the moralist. The voyeur loves watching the ethical struggle without directly participating.

Evaristti’s Helena & El Pescador makes us face our own morals. As he said himself, “Art is about engagement, about forcing people to see themselves in their choices.” The public’s outrage over the piece might have overshadowed its deeper message, but it still sparked important conversations about art and ethics.

The artwork raises a big question: What is art for? Is it to make us think, beautify the world, or do both? There’s also the issue of balancing an artist’s freedom with their responsibility. Where do we draw the line between artistic expression and exploitation? Who decides where that line is?

In the end, Helena & El Pescador teaches us that great art doesn’t give simple answers but challenges us to think. It makes us reflect not just on the artist’s choices, but also on our own morality on how far we’re willing to go when faced with ethical decisions.

Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!

Written By

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending

Sillasky, formerly known as Sillla; For this silky songstress, the sky’s the limit!

Women Empowered

Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Distinguished Communication Leader, Prolific Philanthropist and Acclaimed Public Affairs Strategist

Women Empowered

Atlantis Paradise Island has grown from a top resort into a huge aid in Marine Conservation

Junior Contributors

Failing Grade – For a second consecutive year, access to mental health and substance use health services received failing, or poor grades across Canada

News & Views

Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!

Legal Disclaimer: The Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, its officers, and employees will not be held responsible for any loss, damages, or expenses resulting from advertisements, including, without limitation, claims or suits regarding liability, violation of privacy rights, copyright infringement, or plagiarism. Content Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and viewpoints expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Toronto Caribbean News Inc. Toronto Caribbean News Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for claims, statements, opinions, or views, written or reported by its contributing writers, including product or service information that is advertised. Copyright © 2025 Toronto Caribbean News Inc.

Connect
Newsletter Signup

Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!