Anita Lam's 'Happy Zoo' exhibition challenges traditional notions of zoos and our relationship with animals, presenting a vision of empathy and coexistence. The series, developed through ALAN (Artists who Love Animals and Nature), is an adaptive multimedia exhibition that invites viewers to connect with animals in nature and human-built environments.
Unlike traditional zoos, 'Happy Zoo' has no cages or barriers between humans and animals, instead featuring immersive installations, playable video games, sculpture, and interactive works. The series nudges visitors toward ecological awareness through whimsy, novelty, and play, leveraging emotional connection as the first step toward behavioral change.
Lam's vision for 'Happy Zoo' was influenced by John Berger's "Why Look at Animals?" which led her to question how our culture and values have shaped our relationship with animals. The pandemic also presented a unique opportunity for Lam and ALAN to introduce their concept, leveraging global shared experiences of confinement and nature's recovery.
Each chapter of the exhibition series explores different themes, from ecosystems like the ocean and rainforest to urban wildlife in cities. Works use humor, absurdity, and play to provoke reflection on power dynamics between humans and animals, inviting viewers to consider empathy as a key value.
Collaborating with artists such as Ruby Maky, Stickyline, and Carnovsky, Lam curates an exhibition that feels human and emotionally present, balancing individual artistic voices within a shared framework. The series is adaptable to local contexts and aims to celebrate diversity without captivity.
For young artists interested in engaging with conservation, Lam advises finding genuine passion for the topic and creating work from a place of heart. This involves observing deeply, questioning, and understanding before responding. Art should challenge norms and shift perspectives, rather than simply repeating messages or creating propaganda. By prioritizing honesty in subject matter and cultivating genuine care and curiosity, artists can create meaningful works that engage audiences on a deeper level.
By flipping the traditional zoo model on its head, 'Happy Zoo' brings ideas, stories, and artworks to different cities, enriching local experiences while celebrating diversity without captivity. As Lam notes, if done well, "Happy Zoo" grows with each city it arrives in, creating a cultural exchange that fosters empathy and understanding between humans and animals alike.
Unlike traditional zoos, 'Happy Zoo' has no cages or barriers between humans and animals, instead featuring immersive installations, playable video games, sculpture, and interactive works. The series nudges visitors toward ecological awareness through whimsy, novelty, and play, leveraging emotional connection as the first step toward behavioral change.
Lam's vision for 'Happy Zoo' was influenced by John Berger's "Why Look at Animals?" which led her to question how our culture and values have shaped our relationship with animals. The pandemic also presented a unique opportunity for Lam and ALAN to introduce their concept, leveraging global shared experiences of confinement and nature's recovery.
Each chapter of the exhibition series explores different themes, from ecosystems like the ocean and rainforest to urban wildlife in cities. Works use humor, absurdity, and play to provoke reflection on power dynamics between humans and animals, inviting viewers to consider empathy as a key value.
Collaborating with artists such as Ruby Maky, Stickyline, and Carnovsky, Lam curates an exhibition that feels human and emotionally present, balancing individual artistic voices within a shared framework. The series is adaptable to local contexts and aims to celebrate diversity without captivity.
For young artists interested in engaging with conservation, Lam advises finding genuine passion for the topic and creating work from a place of heart. This involves observing deeply, questioning, and understanding before responding. Art should challenge norms and shift perspectives, rather than simply repeating messages or creating propaganda. By prioritizing honesty in subject matter and cultivating genuine care and curiosity, artists can create meaningful works that engage audiences on a deeper level.
By flipping the traditional zoo model on its head, 'Happy Zoo' brings ideas, stories, and artworks to different cities, enriching local experiences while celebrating diversity without captivity. As Lam notes, if done well, "Happy Zoo" grows with each city it arrives in, creating a cultural exchange that fosters empathy and understanding between humans and animals alike.
I think its so cool that Anita Lams 'Happy Zoo' exhibition is redefining what we think of as zoos! 
I mean, who wouldn't want to just chill with animals in nature or in these interactive installations? It's like the pandemic taught us to appreciate our connection to nature even more. And I love how she's using art and play to encourage empathy towards animals - its so important for us to rethink our relationship with them 
I loved how they flipped the traditional zoo idea on its head, making it more about connection and coexistence rather than captivity 
. it's like you can just walk into these installations and feel like you're part of nature, which is amazing 
. and i love that they're using art to challenge our relationship with animals and the environment, it's like a wake-up call for us all 
. anita lam is a genius for coming up with this concept and collaborating with so many talented artists 
anita lam's 'happy zoo' is like literally changing the game when it comes to how we think about zoos & our relationship with animals 
and i love how she's collaboratin' with other artists to create somethin' that feels human & emotionally present 
it's all about balancin individual voices while still havin a shared vision 
plus, she's talkin' about the importance of observin', questionin', and understandin' before creatin' art 
if done right, 'happy zoo' can really foster empathy & understanding between humans & animals 
so yeah, i'm all for it 
It sounds like a fun concept, but is it really challenging traditional notions of zoos? I mean, no cages or barriers? Sounds like more of the same old zoo experience to me. What's next, are they gonna start letting animals hang out in our living rooms? 
I'm all for empathy and coexistence, but let's not forget we're talking about wild animals here.
I'm all for art and creativity, but let's not forget we're trying to make a point here.
. I loved how it made me think about our relationship with animals and how we can be more empathetic towards them. It's like, if we just take the time to understand each other better, we can make things better for both humans and animals 
imagine walking into an aquarium but instead of just looking at fish, you get to play video games with them 
it's like a dream come true for anyone who loves animals (and let's be real, who doesn't? 
). and the fact that it challenges traditional notions of zoos is like, totally on point 
. no more cages, just empathy and coexistence - sounds like a win to me 
.
Not cool.
and i love how it brings together different artists from all over the world, its like they're speaking the same language 
The way she's using humor and absurdity to make us reflect on power dynamics between humans and animals is pure genius! 
I'm also lovin' how the exhibition celebrates diversity without captivity - it's like, we should be embracin' all kinds of animals, not just the cute ones 
. It's amazing how this exhibition can make you see the world from different perspectives, especially when it comes to power dynamics between species. The way Lam says, "Art should challenge norms and shift perspectives," is so true! I'm definitely going to check out 'Happy Zoo' with my family 
And what's up with all these collaborations between artists? Is it just a way for them to get more exposure and sell more art? I'm not convinced that this exhibition is really going to make a difference in people's lives... 
. It's like John Lennon said, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"