Curator Statement
Since human beings have been creating images and objects, animals- both real and fantastic- have endured as compelling subject matter. Throughout history and across cultures, animals have been imbued with rich symbolic meaning, often as archetypal characters in tales and legends reflecting a deep fundamental connection between humans and animals.
A large number of artists today are using animal imagery to talk about difficult issues such as intimacy, loss, and vulnerability. The desire to capture the spirit of animals, and express it as a means to better understand and describe our world, is timeless. In many ways animals are effective stand-ins for ourselves, allowing artists to discuss challenging concepts with a power and intensity unattainable through the human form. As a whole this exhibition effectively inspires questions regarding life and death, morality, and meaning with humor, whimsy, sensitivity, and insight.
A large number of artists today are using animal imagery to talk about difficult issues such as intimacy, loss, and vulnerability. The desire to capture the spirit of animals, and express it as a means to better understand and describe our world, is timeless. In many ways animals are effective stand-ins for ourselves, allowing artists to discuss challenging concepts with a power and intensity unattainable through the human form. As a whole this exhibition effectively inspires questions regarding life and death, morality, and meaning with humor, whimsy, sensitivity, and insight.