BTech Graphic Design student at the Durban University of Technology, Orion Gobie has spent 10 months tackling the “underground taboo topic” of vivisection, otherwise known as animal testing, for his research assignment. The research contributed towards his BTech qualification…

BTech Graphic Design student at the Durban University of Technology, Orion Gobie has spent 10 months tackling the “underground taboo topic” of vivisection, otherwise known as animal testing, for his research assignment. The research contributed towards his BTech qualification.

Gobie is a self-confessed animal lover who has witnessed the effects of animal abuse. “I grew up in a home where both my parents worked (and still do) at the S.P.C.A. It was growing up in this environment that exposed me to the many horrid sights of animal cruelty,” he said.

Vivisection is common in the medical and cosmetic industries. It is a practice whereby animals are used for experimentation. This insinuates that human life is superior to animal life, whereas, according to Gobie, all of Earth’s creation is equal.

Gobie exploited social networks for research purposes. He discovered that while some people were informed about animal testing, many thought it had ceased. Animal rights organisations were previously unsuccessful in their attempts to end vivisection. Based on this, Gobie dedicated his time on designing an advertisement that not only raises awareness, but will have retention. He mimicked traditional cosmetic print adverts, replacing the models with animals. This emphasises the idea of humans being the actual guinea pigs. This is known as “anti-design.”

His focus was on the “thriving” cosmetic sector. Gobie said animal anatomy differs from that of humans. Because of this, he said most products have side-effects. “Companies such as Avon and The Body Shop use non-animal testing methods. The truth is that vivisection is used mainly as a profit making tactic than actual consideration for the consumer,” he said.

Support

Vivisection is still practiced in the local cosmetic industry. Gobie hopes local organisations will devise effective methods to raise awareness and advocate for animal rights to discontinue animal testing. He acknowledged the perpetual support of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the SPCA and his lecturer, Kate Wells.

“In the last 10 months I single-handedly got my message out to over 80 000 people. I honestly feel that I did accomplish what I set out to do. It doesn’t stop here though, I plan to utilise my fine art skills and pursue a part-time hobby by selling my art works and donating the profits to the SPCA and PETA,” he said.

Photo 1: An example of Orion Gobie’s advertisements. By replacing the model with the chimpanzee, Gobie shows readers who the products were first tested on.

Photo 2: The designer hopes readers will consider the animals who are subjected to experiments before purchasing cosmetic products.

– Naledi Hlefane