This show may not be for everybody. The new exhibition at Bell Gallery Dead Animals, or the curious occurrence of taxidermy in contemporary art surveys current artistic use of taxidermy through the work of eighteen artists. (And would any taxidermy/art show be complete without a Damien Hirst?) Runs through March 27.
Taxidermy animals are extraordinary animal-things. As Rachel Poliquin—author of the cultural history ‘The Breathless Zoo: Taxidermy and the Culture of Longing’—affirms, “at once likelike yet dead, both a human-made representation of a species and a presentation of a particular animal skin.” The exhibition and accompanying symposia will examine the cultural history of taxidermy, social factors that have contributed to artists’ interests in the “idea of the animal,” and the ways in which these interests are manifest in artists’ works. It will question how taxidermy, with its inherent association with death, differs from the use of live animals or animal substitutes such as stuffed animals, and why taxidermy may be particularly relevant to the exploration of the human-animal question. Finally, it will examine ethical issues surrounding the incorporation of animals in art.
Opening reception Friday, February 5, 5:30pm, with artist Polly Morgan.
Taxidermist and artist Polly Morgan works against the traditional goals of taxidermy. Rather than a lively depiction, she presents animals in death. Gannet, 2014, is a momento mori. The large and beautiful bird falls limply over the edge of a black frame—in a pose that is synonymous with death. The frame houses a drawing of a bird’s nest created from the ashes of cremated birds.
Check out the slideshow by ProJo photojournalist Kris Craig who got an inside look at the show being set up.
Exhibit opens Saturday, January 23, Bell Gallery, List Art Center, 64 College Street (directions)