The Animals

The Animals is the name of the artistic project by photographer and activist Estela de Castro, which combines beauty and dignity to create a collective portrait with faces that embody the strength and vulnerability of those who have been systematically silenced by different systems of exploitation. It will be available in the Plaza de Matadero Madrid (outside Nave 15) from 29 October until January 2026.

The artist has trained her camera on industries, sectors and practices such as hunting, livestock farming, experimentation, animal trafficking and trading, as well as vicarious violence, pet-keeping, shows, cinema, zoos and circuses, among others.

This photographic project features a total of 122 portraits of animals taken over two years in various sanctuaries and rescue, protection and care centres, including: Santuario Gaia, Santuario Vegan, Animal Rescue España, Primadomus, Birds Friends, Rainfer, Reserva Wild Forest, Grefa, Granja Natura, Fieb-Foundation, La casa de Vane and Salvando Peludos.

The Animals is an invitation to look beyond our conventions and prejudices, approaching the lives of animals with empathy and respect, and allowing their presence to move and challenge us to rethink our relationship with them in a world marked by injustice related to antispeciesism.