UNKNOWN ANIMAL

Meryl Bennett

Mor

Lorimoto Gallery is excited to present a two artist show “UNKNOWN ANIMAL” featuring sculptures by Meryl Bennett and cut paper installations by Mor.

With senses that far exceed human perception, animals have been known to react to impending catastrophe.  Hours before disaster struck, witnesses to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami observed elephants fleeing to higher ground and zoo animals panicking in their cages.  In the weeks prior to the 1975 earthquake in Haicheng, China people reported finding snakes and rats frozen on roadways, having abandoned hibernation underground.  Roman writer Aelian describes strange animal behavior in the days leading up to a tsunami that destroyed the Greek city of Helike in 373BC. Rats, snakes and other creatures were observed fleeing the city, much to the confusion of the citizens who remained unaware of the impending doom. Eluding scientific explanation, the anecdotal evidence of these phenomena speaks to the enigmatic intelligence of animals and to our human inclination towards understanding our world and the limitations of our own perceptions.

   “Unknown Animal” is an exploration by sculptor Meryl Bennett and papercut artist Mor into the process of art making as a way to connect with our own deeper intuitions during times of personal, societal, and global unknowing. Through the engagement of animal symbolism the artists seek to access the cryptic and arcane aspects of our nature, as we contend with an uncertain future ; using art as a catalyst for reframing  our comprehension of ourselves, and our relationship to the world we inhabit.

As an art gallery , social interaction is a key element in celebrating the work and talent of each artist . However, due to the Corona Pandemic and restrictions on social behaviors, the gallery will not be having an opening reception as we have in the past. On opening night , viewers are restricted to 4 people at a time and visitors must wear a mask upon arrival. Please cooperate and adhere to this protocol. Its awkward and strange but it is a new norm which we hope can be reversed in the near future.

Opening night is September 12th , 2020 6PM ~ 9PM , regular gallery hours are Saturday & Sunday 1-5 PM. Viewing appointments can be made by contacting the gallery.