Spiders, Cockroaches, Ants & Bees: A Critical Animal Studies Perspective on Insects and Arachnids in Contemporary Art

Insects are a growing subject matter in contemporary art. From “insect art” to jewelry made from insects, and photography and installation that utilize live insects and arachnids, these more-than-human animals (hereafter “animals”) are cultivated – and at times exploited – by contemporary artists. This article takes a closer look at six artworks by four contemporary artists who work with insects and spiders and examines the art through a Critical Animal Studies (CAS) lens. Additionally, this article discusses three sets of CAS guidelines offering advice on ethical considerations of animals in art. The purpose of this article is to consider the lives and interests of the animals in these artworks, and to inspire ethical practices that can be employed by artists who work with any animal(s).