In this month's issue of Dazed & Confused you can read an exclusive interview with the captain of The Sea Shepherd - a galleon of the pirate animal rights activists who dedicate their lives to high seas warfare with Japanese whaling boats. Closer to home, and without quite as much risk of imprisonment, drowning or death, the London arm of The Strychnin Gallery are tonight unveiling Whaleless, an international exhibition dedicated to artists who wish to express their outrage at the terrible plight of the ocean's largest mammals. Involving over 50 artists from as far afield as Russia and Venezuela, the show opens tonight and features the likes of Stuart Semple, Luke Insect, Lee Baker and Ryan Obermeyer.

Dazed Digital: Why did you become involved in the Whaleless project?
Stuart Semple: I've known the curator, Gio, for many years. I know he's very passionate about the whales and I was honoured to be asked.
DD: Do you think direct action like that taken by The Sea Shepherd is justified? 
SS: No, I don't agree with it. I always feel there is a peaceful way to resolve something, More horror in an already horrific situation just doesn't make sense.
DD: Do you think exhibitions like these can help to enlighten people to the issue of species extinction?
SS: Yes I do. Even if one person takes away a shift in perspective, or a realisation of the gravity of the situation facing whale populations, it would have been worth it.
DD: If you were swallowed by a whale what would you like to find inside?
SS: A self-protection mechanism for whales.

DD: Why did you become involved in the Whaleless project?
RO: I felt like my work would lend itself well to the cause.
DD: Do you think direct action like that taken by The Sea Shepherd group is justified? 
RO: I don't think their actions really resolve the issue on any scale.
DD: Do you think exhibitions like these can help to enlighten people to the issue of species extinction?
RO: Certainly, it's a show about raising awareness. You don't have to have a particular predilection for whales to be concerned about the potential loss of a species or an imbalance in our ecology.
DD: If you were swallowed by a whale what would you like to find inside?
RO: A webcam.

Whaleless opens tonight at The Strychnin Gallery, 65 Hanbury Street, E1 5JP, between 7 and 11pm.