In Memoriam of the vanished and the lost. HCC Northline Gallery presents an exhibition dedicated to our cohabiting species. 20 of Houston's most innovative artists present visual and performance works that yield us to ponder on the way we value life, the briefness of beauty and the imminence of mortality.
Participating Artists:
Daniel Adame, Aisen Caro Chacin, Angel Quesada, Emily Sloan, Carrie Schneider, Camilo Gonzalez, Tina Kotrla, Ryan Hawk, Rebecca Novak, Boby Kalloor, Hilary Scullane, Heath Gresham, Kimi Bloop, James Ciosek, Naz Fall, Al Eckstue, Nancy Douthey, Stephanie Saint-Sanchez, Melanie Jamison, Jonatan Lopez and BOOGIE the Pit-bull.
In "Temporary Animals," Angel Quesada creates site-specific erasable drawings for the large glass walls of the gallery. His drawings combine animal and human forms that reflect transient and fragile entities which exist or have existed.
Rebecca Novak meditates on the life of a bee and our relationship to beekind while questioning the use of animal-derived materials in a shrine made of raw beeswax.
In the performance entitled “Blind: Poultry… Production," Ryan Hawk addresses factory farming in the US. He explores the nature of everyday slaughtering while capturing beauty and significance with Ritual Sacrifice. By drawing attention to an individual death, Hawk questions the morals of meat eaters and vegetarians alike.
Emily Sloan creates a small ice sculpture in homage to "Scrappy," a lovable rescue dog whose whereabouts are currently unknown.
Carrie Schneider presents a library of publicly generated videos exemplifying pet and pet owner behavior, highlighting acts of love, loss, obsession and abuse.
" Boogie," (A Kotrla-Lopez Collaboration) blends art with activism by introducing Tina Kotrla's beloved pit-bull as a socially concerned citizen with an extensive agenda. Within their installation, Boogie proposes the inauguration of "Dogtober Fest," an animal extravaganza celebration at Moody Park that raises awareness about the many homeless dogs in that specific area and collects funds for a Pit-bull rescue shelter. The festival would feature art for dogs and made by dogs. Boogie also proposes a law that prohibits the chaining of dogs in backyards and plans to bring the collected signatures to the door of our city mayor.
Stephanie Saint-Sanchez puts a twist on the issue at hand in her short film "The Talented Mr. Kitty." " Do we really know what lies in store for us when we open our homes and hopeful hearts to our feline friends? DO WE? Sure they are cute but so was Ted Bundy" says the artist. The Talented Mr. Kitty (Based on a true story) reveals who really runs the house.
Metal Smith and sculptor James Ciosek explores the concept of excessive attachment inherent to the curator's theme by executing a large scale piece that utilizes a tobacco leaf as its main motif. “We are not just pet owners, we are also owned by our pets, in this case a plant" says Ciosek. “My rejection of tobacco has been my singular most beautiful experience of loss; the sorrow of loss usually precludes me from thinking of its object, like a dead cat, as anything approaching beautiful.”
In the series of photographs "Gutting of a Deer," Heath Gresham exposes a family hunting tradition. Gresham takes an impartial approach to the subject by simply confronting us with these images, no hidden message or agenda.
The Talented Mr. Kitty (Teaser Trailer) By Stephanie Saint Sanchez
Reception: Thursday December 9th, 7-9pm
Location: HCC Northline Gallery, 8001 Fulton, 77022
Curator: Jonatan Lopez
Facilitator: Tina Kotrla
(Show runs through January 28th)
Top Image: Poultry (Self-portrait) by Ryan Hawk
Boogie Triptych by "Boogie"
