Singe 

Sue Coe’s print shows two pigs hanging upside down, butchered, with numbered tags attached to their bodies. These tags, reminiscent of labels used in concentration camps, evoke powerful historical and cultural associations with dehumanization. Consider the motif of the sacrificed animal. Throughout history, from ancient rituals to modern practices, the act of slaughter carries profound symbolic weight. We find echoes of this in sacrificial rites across various cultures, where the animal represents atonement. Yet, here, the industrialized context strips away any sense of ritual, leaving only a stark depiction of mass production. The pig itself has transformed over time—once a symbol of fertility and abundance in pagan traditions, it now appears as a victim of our modern food industry. This image touches upon our collective subconscious, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths about our relationship with the animal world. The emotional impact is undeniable, engaging viewers on a visceral level. Such symbols continue to resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing cultural and historical landscapes.