US Edition
Photographer Faces Backlash After Painting Elephant Pink
Julia Buruleva used organic, festival-safe paint on an elephant for a Jaipur shoot, sparking debate on animal welfare and artistic expression, with critics calling it abuse.
- Barcelona-Based photographer Julia Buruleva faced widespread criticism after painting a 65-year-old elephant pink for a photo shoot in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Social media users accused her of animal abuse, questioning if such practices would be permitted in her home country.
- During her six-week art expedition last November, Buruleva described her concept as "a pink elephant against classic Rajasthani gates," aiming to reflect existing realities rather than promote or condemn specific practices.
- Regarding safety, Buruleva maintained "no harm was caused to the elephant at any point" during the 10-minute session using non-toxic kaccha gulal. Shadik Khan, the elephant's owner, confirmed the paint was easily washable and the animal remained "calm, relaxed and responsive."
- Indian forest officials have initiated an inquiry into the incident following the social media outrage. Authorities are examining whether required permissions were obtained and if the shoot adhered to animal welfare norms for the elderly elephant, Chanchal.
- Despite Chanchal's death in February, the viral images continue to spark debate. Buruleva defended her work against suggestions she "Should Have Used AI," arguing that physical interaction with the environment is essential to her artistic practice.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Elephant painted bright pink for photoshoot triggers outrage in India
Shadik Khan, the elephant’s owner, says the animal named Chanchal died in February
Russian photographer colours elephant pink for Jaipur photoshoot, sparks heavy backlash: 'This is not art'
The controversy centres on Julia Buruleva, a Barcelona-based conceptual photographer, whose images featuring a model seated atop a vividly coloured elephant quickly went viral. While some viewers initially assumed the visuals were digitally altered, it later emerged that the shoot had been carried out in real life, intensifying criticism.
Russian Photographer Julia Buruleva Spark Backlash for Painting Elephant Pink in Jaipur (View Post) | 👍 LatestLY
Russian photographer Julia Buruleva is under fire after painting an elephant bright pink for a photoshoot in Jaipur. While Buruleva claims the use of organic, festival-grade paint made the project safe, critics have slammed the move as 'animal abuse' and 'exploitation for likes'. The controversy has sparked a viral debate on art versus animal ethics. 👍 Russian Photographer Julia Buruleva Spark Backlash for Painting Elephant Pink in Jaipur (View…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
