Artists, through various forms and contexts, express their observations, understandings, and questions about society. This paper aims, through visual analysis, to explore the diverse expressions of animal-related themes, issues, cultural significance, and artistic styles in the works of five contemporary British artists, and to examine how social issues are presented in artistic creation. This study utilizes content analysis, incorporating both document and artwork analysis, to examine the varied representations of animal imagery in art and their possible societal implications. This analysis utilizes Feldman's art criticism model to interpret both form and content, aiming to uncover their social and symbolic meanings. The findings indicate that various animal species function as visual metaphors for societal issues, reflecting the cultural, power, and economic dynamics present in society, shaped by the artists' creativity, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Additionally, mixed-media installations emerge as powerful channels for emotional expression. This research expands the framework for interpreting artworks and paves the way for greater social awareness and cultural transformation.
Shi et al. (2025) studied this question.