About This Project
“The Gaze We Avoid” is an artistic research project that explores the gap between scientific knowledge of animal sentience and its social denial. It examines whether depicting the gaze of animals linked to consumption can affect viewers’ empathy and attitudes, using surveys and response analysis. We hypothesize that such representations increase empathy and shift attitudes toward animal sentience and consumption.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
The project “The Gaze We Avoid” seeks to explore the gap between scientific knowledge about animal sentience and the social perception we have of animals, especially those intended for consumption. Studies in biology and neuroscience have shown that many animals possess complex nervous systems capable of experiencing pain, stress, and emotions; however, this evidence is rarely reflected in everyday life or in society’s consumption decisions.
Through the creation of a series of pictorial works, the project proposes a visual approach that combines aesthetic beauty with ethical tension: animals such as the pig are represented through serene compositions, carefully chosen colors, and symbols such as halos, while their direct gaze confronts the viewer, inviting them to question the invisibilization of their suffering.
What is the significance of this project?
This project addresses a crucial gap in the social perception of animals and their treatment in contemporary society. Despite scientific evidence showing that many animals possess complex nervous systems and are capable of experiencing pain, stress, and emotions, these truths are rarely reflected in our everyday awareness or in our consumption habits.
“The Gaze We Avoid” brings this disconnection to light through pictorial works that combine aesthetics and symbolism, confronting the viewer with the direct gaze of animals and creating a space for ethical reflection. The series invites us to question how society chooses to ignore animal suffering and offers a critical perspective on the normalization of their exploitation.
What are the goals of the project?
The aim of the project «The Gaze We Avoid» is to explore the gap between scientific knowledge about animal sentience and society’s perception of animals used for consumption. It will consist of four pictorial works combining aesthetics and symbolism to question how animals are seen or ignored in everyday life.
The works will be exhibited in both physical galleries and online platforms in different locations to reach a wider audience. The project will analyse audience perception through surveys, questions, and reactions to the artworks. By confronting viewers with direct gazes and symbolic imagery, the series aims to challenge the normalisation of animal suffering and encourage ethical reflection on human behaviour and consumption habits.
Budget
Budgetary aspects are crucial for the realization of the artistic project, as they enable the production, documentation, and professional dissemination of the works. The series “The Gaze We Avoid” requires specific materials such as canvases, paints, and gold leaf to ensure the visual and conceptual quality of each piece. Photographic and video documentation of the process ensures that the project can be shared and presented on artistic and scientific platforms, thereby increasing its impact and visibility. The time devoted to the development and completion of the works is essential to maintain the aesthetic and conceptual coherence of the series.
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Project Timeline
This project is currently in its development phase. Research and initial sketches are complete, and the focus is now on producing four pictorial works on animal perception and consumption. The works will be exhibited in galleries and online, alongside a campaign on Experiment.com. Funding will support completion, documentation, and audience feedback collection to assess impact.
Mar 23, 2026
Project launched: beginning of research on social perception and animal welfare.
Apr 23, 2026
Team assembly, definition of initial sketches, and acquisition of artistic materials.
Jun 17, 2026
Project Launched
Jun 23, 2026
Organization of preliminary research, review of scientific and social references, and start of visual sketch testing.
Sep 23, 2026
Production of the final series of works (4–5 pieces), integration of symbolic elements, and aesthetic refinement.
Meet the Team
Mª Ángeles García-Rosales Delgado
María de los Ángeles García-Rosales Delgado is a biologist, graduated from the University of Seville, and holds a Master’s degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from Pablo de Olavide University. Her training in ecology, conservation, and scientific research has enabled her to gain experience in fieldwork, species identification, and ecological data analysis, as well as to participate in scientific events and conduct studies on birds and gall-forming hymenopterans.
As a professional artist and science content creator, she combines research and outreach with artistic expression. As the founder of her own creative shop, she designs and produces products inspired by the animal world—bookmarks, prints, paintings, and jewelry—incorporating accessible scientific information to promote environmental education and biodiversity conservation. She also manages science communication content on social media, bringing science closer to the general public in a clear and engaging way.
She has participated as an exhibitor in various locations across Andalusia, showcasing her work while managing sales and customer interaction, strengthening her skills in communication, brand visibility, and artistic outreach. She currently collaborates as a Social Media Manager on the Proteins Mosaic Q Project, a citizen science initiative in biology, managing its online presence and helping bring scientific research closer to society.
She is characterized by her discipline, commitment, and perseverance, and seeks to continue developing professionally in projects that integrate art, science, and outreach, fostering curiosity and respect for biodiversity.
Daniel Pérez Barrios
He holds a degree in Biology and has furthered his training with a Master’s in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology. During his academic career, he gained experience in laboratory and field techniques, as well as the ability to work both in teams and independently, standing out for his organisation, consistency, and adaptability in demanding environments.
He has complemented his training by attending lectures and conferences in various fields of biology, including ecology, zoology, and genetics. He is characterised by his ability to learn quickly, manage and synthesise complex information, and his strong communication skills oriented towards scientific outreach.
He is particularly interested in field and laboratory work related to environmental studies, as well as in communicating biological and ecological knowledge to diverse audiences.
Francisco Javier Lobo Cabrera
I am a biotechnologist and data scientist with over eight years of experience spanning both academia and industry. In academia, I specialized in computational biology, while in industry I have focused on data science and artificial intelligence applications.
I hold a master's degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics from Universitst Oberta de Catalunya and a PhD in Biotechnology, Technology, and Chemical Engineering from University Pablo de Olavide. My research work has led to several peer-reviewed publications in computational and systems biology. I also co-organize the citizen-science project Proteins Mosaic Q (https://proteins-mosaic-q.org/), a project with >350 followers on Linkedin and present in the major citizen science platforms Scistarter (https://scistarter.org/protein...) and EU-Citizen.Science (https://citizenscience.eu/proj...).
Publications:
Lobo-Cabrera, F. J., Patti, A., Govantes, F., & Cuetos, A. (2021). Polymer-induced microcolony compaction in early biofilms: A computer simulation study. Physical Review E, 103(5), 052407.
Lobo-Cabrera, F. J., Navarro, T., Iannini, A., Casares, F., & Cuetos, A. (2021). Quantitative relationships between growth, differentiation, and shape that control Drosophila eye development and its variation. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 9, 681933.
Lobo-Cabrera, C. A., Lobo-Cabrera, F. J., Herrero, M. R., & Govantes, F. (2023). Computer simulation study of nutrient-driven bacterial biofilm stratification. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 21(215).
Lab Notes
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