Menagerie

The Painting Center

Chelsea | New York | USA

Nov 26, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024

The Painting Center is pleased to present Menagerie, a group exhibition in the Main Gallery and Project Room that invites viewers to explore the deep connections between art and the animal kingdom. This captivating collection of paintings and drawings offers a unique lens through which to admire and reflect on the beauty of wildlife creating a space where art becomes a living tribute to the diverse forms of life that inhabit our planet. Furthermore, Menagerie serves as a platform to highlight the significance of fostering a diverse community of artists. This exhibition brings together a wide range of voices and perspectives, celebrating the contributions of artists from various backgrounds. By supporting this artist-run space, The Painting Center emphasizes the importance of collaboration and solidarity within the art community.

A menagerie is more than just a collection of animals; it conjures an image of reverence and respect for the creatures on display. The French origins of the word "m茅nagerie" refer to a space鈥攖raditionally a farm鈥攚here animals are managed and tended to with care and respect. The way we admire paintings as objects and simultaneously interact with them as art makes the gallery a form of menagerie. We hope to bring these parallels together in a celebration of animals on the canvas and paper, turning The Painting Center into not only a figurative, but also a literal menagerie. Each piece in Menagerie serves not only as a representation of an animal but also as a commentary on our relationship with nature and the ways in which we interact with these beings through the lens of art. As visitors wander through the exhibition, they will encounter a diverse array of wildlife depicted in various artistic styles and mediums. From vibrant paintings to intricate drawings, each work contributes to a broader conversation about biodiversity and the importance of coexistence with the natural world. We invite you to join us in this celebration of the animal kingdom and the creativity it inspires.