Animals are more than meat: lecturer looks at their uses in art
By Kyara Forte
Staff Writer
In late October, Dr. Giovanni Aloi gave an intriguing presentation on the history of animals in art.
His presentation was very interactive and comprehensive, even for non-art majors at HWC.
In his presentation, Dr. Aloi touched not only the three main techniques that animals are used in art which includes objectification, creativity, and collaboration, he also posed stimulating questions to the audience and made connections to his personal life.
To summarize the three main points, objectification is when the animal’s purpose is to be an object or symbol in a work of art. Collaboration is when you work with the animal to create art and creativity is when you allow the animal to create the piece naturally.
He explained to his audience how to identify where the sublime feeling comes from when looking at different kinds of artwork with these tactics i
“We don’t want to look at the animal for what it is, but for a reflection of ourselves,” he said. “Our relationship with animals also reflect how we react with others.”
Once Dr. Aloi’s educational background and experience in his field came to light, one would expect nothing less than the captivating presentation this 41-year-old gave.
He graduated from Goldsmith’s University in London and started his career working at reputable and respected art galleries such as Tats and White Chaplin, where he dealt with the public.
He has lectured at Queen Mary, his alma mater Goldsmith’s, and has taught at the Art Institute of Chicago for the last three years.
Dr. Giovanni Aloi’ gave advice for those wanting to go in the field of historian or art historian. “First and foremost, be dedicated, have an idea of significant dates, and find what you are interested in the most” he said.
He knew at around age five or six he wanted to be in this field. His aunt was an art historian and he was always intrigued by art and the world around him.
“I was always fascinated with nature,” he said. “My parents are from Italy but moved to Milan when I was born and I would always go searching through nature.”
Aloi always had a connection with the art around him. “If you find an interest in nature, you’ll never be alone,” he said. “There’s always something to make you smile.”
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