Davenport, Iowa (January 24, 2019) — 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.
The Figge Art Museum will present Animals in the Museum in the second-floor Katz Gallery beginning Saturday. More than 60 works of art drawn primarily from the Figge’s collection, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and video works will be on display. This exhibition will celebrate the artistry involved in the depiction of wildlife including animals as symbols, fantastic animals, beasts of burden and animals as pets.
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, the closest interaction with animals occurs in their 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 is co-curated by Figge Assistant Curator Vanessa Sage and Preparator/Assistant Registrar Josh Johnson. Sponsored by Barbara Leidenfrost in loving memory of her husband, Oscar Leidenfrost, the exhibition will be on view through April 28, 2019.
Companion Events:
Curator Talk
Thursday, February 7
4PM Happy Hour Menu/Cash Bar
6:30PM Talk
Celebrate the opening of Animals in the Museum with Figge Assistant Curator Vanessa Sage, a co-curator of the exhibition. She will discuss the curatorial process. Admission is FREE!
Free Family Day
10AM-1PM Saturday, February 23
Free admission all day
Join us for special activities for the entire family inspired by the current exhibitions.
Thursday, April 4
4PM Happy Hour Menu/Cash Bar
6:30PM Talk
Niabi Zoo educators will talk about the animals featured in the artworks from the exhibit and provide audience members a chance to meet actual living animals from the zoo as part of their "Zoo to You" program. Admission is FREE!
Exhibition and Collection Highlights Tours
1:30PM Saturday, February 23, March 9, 23, April 13, 27, May 4
1:30PM Sunday, February 24, March 10, 24, April 14, 28, May 5
About the Figge Art Museum:
The Figge Art Museum is located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10AM to 5PM, Tuesday through Saturday; Sundays noon to 5 p.m.; Thursdays the museum is open until 9PM Admission to the museum and tour is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students with ID and $4 children ages 4-12. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members, and always free to all on Thursday evenings from 5-9PM The Figge Café is open 11AM-2PM Tuesday-Friday. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visitwww.figgeartmuseum.org.
