Elin Menzies: Wolf Crossing
Wolf Crossing
(The Forest Where Red Riding-Hood and Wolf Live in Harmony)
Inter-species Communication at Wolf Crossing
July 1 – 30, 2017
Reception: Saturday, July 1, 4 – 6 PM
SOLO GALLERY
Artist Talk: Saturday, July 1, 2:30 PM
The paintings in this show, Wolf Crossing represent a revision of the classic tale of Red Riding Hood in which the wolf is used as a metaphor for something evil. In my version Wolf is a hero who rescues the orphaned Red Riding Hood and takes her to live with and be protected by him in the forest of Wolf Crossing.
This series, and much of my work, is rooted in the seemingly disparate areas of mythology and scientific research on inter-species communication. Our evolving understanding of animals fosters connections that bring a restorative balance to the human psyche and brings our attention to the need to protect wild animals under the Endangered Species Act. Wolves are important in keeping our wilderness balanced and healthy but once again these beautiful, intelligent animals are in danger. For me they have become symbolic of the very environment we need to protect. The current administration ignores the overwhelming evidence of climate change, has withdrawn from the Paris Climate Accord and is set on gutting the Environmental Protection Agency. The wolves and other wild animals might go first but clean air and clean water would follow. We are kindred spirits with wolves.
My modern myth paintings are part of a continuum. The oldest art in the world contains animal figures. Cave paintings in Spain and France, Native American pictographs and Egyptian hieroglyphics depict animals as part of everyday life and as sacred symbols. Myths and legends inspired by animals became part of a spiritual framework. They helped our ancestors grapple with those eternal questions that remain relevant today “Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”
Living with Wolves is an organization dedicated to promoting truth and understanding about wolves. Check out their website for some fascinating information about wolves.
Elin Menzies
July 2017
2017 Solo Shows were selected by juror Susana Torruella Leval, Director Emerita El Museo del Barrio, Chair of the New York City Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission.
Tags: 2017, 2017 Past Exhibitions, solo gallery
