Over the past weeks we received many concerned messages about Guillermo Vargas, a Costa Rican “artist” that last year, tied up a stray dog without food or water in a Nicaraguan art gallery under the words "Eres lo que lees" - "You are what you read" - spelled in dog food. To complete his installation, he played a Sandinista anthem backward to set the mood, and he burned 175 pieces of crack cocaine as incense.
Many of you have seen photos around the internet of an extremely thin and emaciated looking dog, that Vargas had tied up. 
We have asked our contacts in Central America for more information. According to local animal welfare organizations, the dog was in a state of starvation when he was captured from the street for display in the exhibit. 

OIPA doesn’t condone the actions of this so-called "artist," and condemn the use of live animals in exhibits such as this. An animal welfare organization in Honduras, where the next art show will be held, is keeping close watch on the case.

On 21st April 2008 we have learned from HSUS web site that:

The Honduran NGO that we have been working with has confirmed that the Biennial organizers of the Honduran gallery have agreed to ban this "artist" from the gallery.  The organizers have stated that they will also include new competition rules that prohibit the abuse of animals.  We are keeping close watch on the case.