# Abominable Animal Illustrations These Ryan McLennan Creations Question Morality By Taylor Keefe | Published 2011-11-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryan-mclennan-abominations References: [curatedmag](http://www.curatedmag.com/news/2011/10/27/recap-ryan-mclennan-at-joshua-liner-gallery/) & [ryanmclennan](http://www.ryanmclennan.com/) Artist Ryan McLennan is being criticized for his take on [animal cruelty](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-lion1) and the speculation of God’s existence. However, McLennan could care less about what the critics say, and more about how people are enjoying his take on morality. In a [series of illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition) titled Abominations, Ryan McClennan depicts a bevy of God’s creatures in painful, tormented poses against white backgrounds. One of McLennan’s works show a massive elk tortured by a thorn-like tree, reminiscent of the crucifixion of Christ. Other, smaller creatures including rats and birds seem to relish in the suffering of the large beast. McLennan is showing his series at the [Joshua Liner Gallery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greg-mike1) in New York City. The exhibit runs until November 19th, 2011. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Animal Cruelty Art:** Exploring provocative art that challenges societal norms and prompts conversations about animal welfare and morality. - **Speculating God's Existence:** Examining artistic expressions that provoke philosophical debates about the existence of a higher power. - **Relishing in Suffering:** Exploring art that portrays smaller creatures finding pleasure in the pain and suffering of larger animals, questioning notions of empathy and morality. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art Galleries:** Opportunity for art galleries to showcase controversial and thought-provoking artwork that pushes the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. - **Animal Rights Advocacy:** Opportunity for advocacy groups to draw attention to animal cruelty through art and spark discussions on ethical treatment of animals. - **Philosophical Discourse:** Opportunity for philosophers and academics to analyze and debate the implications of art that challenges religious beliefs and raises questions about the existence of God. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Whimsical Spirit Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima.md)