# Test Subject Artwork Sako Kojima Blends Cartoon and Macabre Elements By Andrew Robertson | Published 2012-04-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sako-kojima References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2012/04/20/sako-kojimas-cute-and-cuddly-pain/) & [sakokojima](http://www.sakokojima.com/) These sculptures by Sako Kojima are depictions of lab test subjects. The models use [exaggerated cartoon elements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-algae) to draw out notions of abuse, cruelty and genetic engineering. Rodents are often used as test subjects for a variety of different industries, from medicine to pharmaceuticals to fashion. Sako Kojima illustrates the questionable morals surrounding the use of animal experimentation. Depicting scenes of captivity, disembodiment and torture, these sculptures give rise to the question of "how accurate could these be?" One sculpture has a mouse looking at a human ear resting on a miniature table, a response to the ability for scientists to grow appendages on mice. Like [miniature Frankenstein creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keff-joons), these models by Sako Kojima are full of life and despair. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Animal Experimentation Ethics:** Artists are increasingly drawing attention to the ethical considerations of animal experimentation in different industries. - **Exaggerated Cartoon Art:** Artists are exploring the possibilities of exaggerated cartoon elements to depict darker themes and emotions in their work. - **Miniature Creations:** Miniature sculptures are becoming a popular medium for artists to convey complex themes in a small and impactful way. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Medical Research:** Medical researchers are being pushed to find more ethical methods to test their theories and treatments on animals. - **Pharmaceuticals:** Pharmaceutical companies need to consider the impact of their animal testing practices on public perception and the health of their bottom line. - **Art:** Artists are using their work to create uncomfortable conversations around deeply embedded social issues, highlighting injustices and inequalities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Human Torso-Inspired Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lene-bdker.md) - [Biology-Inspired Porcelain Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiyuan-xu.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Flesh Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito.md) - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Sea-Inspired Mini Sculpture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-sculptures.md) - [Unique Hybrid Mystery Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-x-vegetable-gachapon.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Performance Art Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-pop.md)