Saturday, January 26, through Sunday, April 28
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
Foxes in the henhouse. Elephants in the room. Cats in the cradle. And from January 26 through April 28, there will be Animals in the Museum, as Davenport's Figge Art Museum showcases works in all artistic mediums devoted to the world's furry, feathered, finned, and four-legged friends.
As stated on the Figge's Web site: “The bond between humans and animals permeates our language, as well as our art. The earliest known forms of visual expression included depictions of animals scrawled on cave walls. That tradition continues today with many contemporary artists centering their practice on the examination of animals and our connection to them.
“Why are artists and humans in general so drawn to animals? Our relationship with animals has changed drastically throughout history. Ancient people lived in close proximity to beasts that they simultaneously feared and worshiped as well as hunted for food. In the not-so-distant past, animals were an integral part of everyday life as a means of transportation and labor. For most people in the 21st century, our closest interaction with animals occurs in our homes. This trajectory from gods to companions is reflected in the artworks on display, and allows visitors the chance to explore their own relationship to the animals in their lives.
“Animals in the Museum will present over 60 works of art drawn primarily from the Figge’s collection, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and video works. In addition to exploring themes including animals as symbols, fantastic animals, beasts of burden and animals as pets this exhibition will celebrate the artistry involved in the depiction of wildlife.”
Animals in the Museum will be on display January 26 through April 28, with regular museum hours Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays) and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the exhibit is free with $4-10 museum entrance, and more information on this and other Figge exhibits, programs, and events is available by calling (563)326-7804 or visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
