Dark Mofo Confirms Controversial Bull Slaughter Art Show Will Go Ahead

After being swept up in a storm of controversy last month over its plans to kill a bull for art, Dark Mofo has confirmed Hermann Nitsch’s polarising show will go ahead as planned during this year’s festival.

The latest offering from the celebrated Austrian "actionist", 150.Action will make use of a bull's carcas and 500 litres of blood to make a statement on ritual sacrifice.

Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said the Tasmanian festival appreciates the passionate debate and respects both sides of the argument.

“Dark Mofo aims to present a festival that explores the full spectrum of human emotion,” Carmichael said.

“We program work that enables a deeper understanding of the nature of existence. An existence that encompasses the terrible abyss, and the glorious splendour. Our greatest moments, and our deepest holes. We seek the truth.

“For those members of the public who believe that this is no more than shock art, or a publicity stunt, we urge you to look deeper.

“Art sometimes has the power to influence a community, and although it would be an indirect outcome of this performance, we would consider a reduction in the consumption of meat a positive result.”

The three-hour confronting think piece will be Nitsch’s first performance in Australia and happens on Saturday 17 June (sold out) before he appears In Conversation the following day at Federation Concert Hall.

Dark Mofo runs in Hobart from 8-21 June. Click here for all the details.