Following "mensch_tier" (2012) and ANIMAL UTOPIA (2017), MULTISPECIES FUTURES* is the third book on the artistic work of animal rights activist and painter Hartmut Kiewert. The richly illustrated hardcover focuses mainly on works created between 2017 and early 2024.
Hartmut Kiewert is committed to pushing the boundaries of the imaginable in the form of impressive paintings. His works depict scenarios of utopian worlds in which humanity does not oppress, exploit or kill other animals and their environment. This is particularly evident in his urban landscapes, in which animals that are usually categorised as pets, farm animals, wild animals or humans share the urban space peacefully and on an equal footing.
In addition to the relationship between humans and animals, Kiewert also deals with topics such as meritocracy, the climate crisis and the transport revolution. The animals in his pictures never appear as if they are acting because external circumstances force them to, but rather of their own free will. For example enjoying the sun and the sea on a cosy beach.
So if the world is getting too much for you and you want to switch off for a while, grab this book and let yourself be inspired by these positive visions of the future.
In addition to a little escapism, the pictures also offer a wonderful opportunity to talk to other people about topics such as veganism, animal rights, the climate crisis and capitalism, bringing us at least a little closer to a more peaceful future.
Explanatory notes by philosopher and author Hilal Sezgin and Marco Hompes embed his works in both art historical and current ethical discourses and are included in German and English.
Translation into English by Ariane Kossack
Published by the Galerie KK Klaus Kiefer, Essen
About the author
Hartmut Kiewert, a recipient of a grant from the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and distinguished painter and graphic artist, has been focusing on the social relationships between humans and animals for almost ten years.
His works have been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig and other cities.
