The Use of Animals for Entertainment
A captivating sea of red that makes the background, hints at the visceral echoes of bloodshed. Amidst this crimson expanse, three enigmatic figures command attention — a woman, a bull, and a man; each a distinct entity yet entwined by the omnipotent power of red.
The woman, embodying the essence of a bullfighting stance, exudes both strength and vulnerability, her form a testament to the dance between danger and grace. The bull, its gaze directed upward, seems to question the very fabric of its existence, an emblem of uncertainty suspended in the scarlet haze. Meanwhile, the man, a lone actor in a surreal game suggestive of dance and peril, finds himself encircled within the concentric rings that place him in the middle of a drama. Somehow, it seems a woman is getting to protect unaware of danger bull from a man. Who will make next move?
This painting depicts a pivotal moment in the life of the bull Civilón. Pacifist organizations had fought to prevent Civilón from being sent to the bullring, demanding that he not be forced to participate in the dangerous sport of bullfighting. However, the bull’s owner ultimately decided to sell him to the bullfight for 30,000 pesos.
But the battle to save Civilón was not over. On the day of the event, people organized and arrived to support the effort to spare the bull’s life. They came with signs and banners, pleading for Civilón to be spared. After demonstrating remarkable bravery in the ring, and at the urging of the audience, the judge ultimately made the decision to pardon (indulto) the bull.
This painting captures the intensity and emotion of that pivotal moment, as the various forces – the pacifists, the owner, the audience, and ultimately the judge – all converged to determine Civilón’s fate. The vivid crimson tones and the dynamic interplay of the human and bovine figures convey the high-stakes drama unfolding before us. This work invites us to reflect on the complex ethical questions surrounding the use of animals for entertainment, and the power of collective action to influence such decisions.
STORY
BEHIND PAINTING
CIVILÓN BLOG
As an emerging artist, my work is shaped by personal experiences and reflections on life, death, and in that context the treatment of animals. These themes shape my artistic vision, challenging viewers to confront the ethical and moral implications of our actions towards animals, other humans, and the planet itself.
In essence, the painting Death in the Afternoon is a profound exploration of life, death, and the haunting silence that follows. Set against a nation on the brink of war, the story behind the image serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the harsh realities faced by both humans and animals.

