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"Ethereal Fauna": Art and the Animal Within

March 28, 2011

More than 40 Chicago-area artists explore the inner animal muse within each of us in a new exhibit at the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art. The artists have created unique metaphorical portraits of their animal spirit, or that of another person, place, thing, or even society as a whole.

By Karena Karras

"Ethereal Fauna" opens March 29 at the gallery and continues through May 19. An opening reception will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Gallery admission is free.

The program attempts to reach beyond the traditional sphere of reality through imaginary forms. The exhibition tests perceived limitations of the self through fantastic images, as artists expand on the inner and outer boundaries of geography, ethnicity, tradition, media or other perceived limitations.

"Ethereal Fauna" contemplates each artist's interpretation of the inner animal as it reflects on our perceived reality and illuminates us by creating a dialogue between our consciousness and the animal nature of our inner world.

"Ethereal Fauna" interacts both virtually and physically among the participating artists and audience. The exploratory use of recyclable, translucent, Yupo synthetic paper is the common physical forum that becomes a unique environmental habitat, akin to the pages from a fantastic zoological manuscript.

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday evenings 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays 1-4 p.m.

By John Kurtz