(polymerized gypsum, steel, polyurethane foam, wood)
October 11 – November 11, 2011
Daily until 12 am
Roadside Attractions
911 Davenport Road,
Toronto, ON M6G 2B7
info@weseeinc.com”
Métis artist David Hannan works with taxidermy-form sculptures to explore vulnerability, both in humans and in nature. Hannan‘s taxidermic hybrids present tension and beauty in the merging of animals into sculptures and at the same time, suggest landscape in the gentle undulations of the forms. Many of the themes in Hannan’s art derive from his aboriginal heritage, particularly his engagement with history and notions of territory. His work utilizes taxidermy forms to make transformational sculptures that evoke responses of fear, aggression and endearment.
Traditionally taxidermy forms have been used as the basis of a hunter’s trophy: the skin of an animal is stretched over the form to be preserved. In Hannan’s work, animal skin is replaced with packing tape and wool felt blankets evoking a sense of fragility. The blankets suggest a need for warmth, protection, shelter, love and understanding. They can also suffocate or allow us to hide from our fears.
You can see more on the artist’s website: www.davidhannan.ca/