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Artists Merge Nature and Fantasy for Upcoming “Unnatural Histories 4” Show

For centuries, the wonders of the natural world have inspired artists to create fantasy, and since the Middle Ages, have applied legendary characteristics to animals. For the fourth year in a row, Antler Gallery in Portland has invited artists to join in this tradition of creating their own mythical creatures inspired by nature. "Unnatural Histories 4" will highlight whimsical new works by Lisa Ericson, Jeff P., Jon Mcnair, Erika Sanada, Josh Keyes, Peter Gronquist, Josie Morway, Brin Levinson, Jessica Joslin, Matt Linares, Aunia Kahn, Nicomi Nix Turner, and more.


Nicomi Nix Turner

For centuries, the wonders of the natural world have inspired artists to create fantasy, and since the Middle Ages, have applied legendary characteristics to animals. For the fourth year in a row, Antler Gallery in Portland has invited artists to join in this tradition of creating their own mythical creatures inspired by nature. “Unnatural Histories 4” will highlight whimsical new works by Lisa Ericson, Jeff P., Jon Mcnair, Erika Sanada, Josh Keyes, Peter Gronquist, Josie Morway, Brin Levinson, Jessica Joslin, Matt Linares, Aunia Kahn, Nicomi Nix Turner, Derek Nobbs, Juliana Swaney, Alex Louisa, Keith Carter, Jennifer Parks, Neil M. Perry, Morgaine Faye, Susannah Kelly, Siolo Thompson, Erich J. Moffit, Ben Kehoe, Hanna Jaeun, Amy Ruppel, Vanessa Foley, and Corey Urlacher. Some enhance the ethereal beauty of common animals, like Vanessa Foley’s realistic portraits of birds, while others apply mythical connotation to them, as in Lisa Ericson’s fairy-winged mice. In previous years, we’ve featured their completed artworks, but today we’d like to feature their work in progress.

“Unnatural Histories” 4 will be on view from September 24th through October 26th at Antler Gallery in Portland.


Vanessa Foley


Lisa Ericson


Alex Louisa


Brin Levinson


Hanna Jaeun


Erich J. Moffitt


Josh Keyes

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35,000 years ago, man picked up some bones and charcoal off the ground and drew his first cave painting- only instead of painting a picture of himself, he painted animals. He watched the herds cross the plains and thought they were beautiful and magical, and retained this image in his mind and translated them on the cave walls with graceful and accurate curves. A new group exhibition titled "Animalia" at Abend Gallery in Colorado will showcase contemporary artists whose work has been influenced by animals, and takes a look at how we relate to them today.

Keyes

With wildly varied takes on the natural world, painters Josh Keyes and Lisa Ericson bring two separate shows to Thinkspace Projects in Culver City. Keyes was last mentioned on HiFructose.com here, and Ericson was last mentioned on the site here.
David Jien’s recent work blends both futuristic and fantastical visions, with the artist’s usual eye for detail. While his creatures may recall sci-fi storybooks, there’s humorous and disconcerting notes hidden in the corners.
It's the 40th print volume of Hi-Fructose! Our next issue arrives in stores everywhere July 1st but you can pre-order it from us today here! Featured in this issue is: Mark Mothersbaugh's new museum retrospective at the Akron Museum of Art, the elaborate skull carvings of Jason Borders, a studio visit with Japanese artist collective three, the wonderful drawings of Nicomi Nix Turner, photographer Robert Bartholot's mysteriously artificial images, Nicole Gordon's bright and tragic landscapes, and Vincent Castiglia's amazing blood paintings. Then we delve into the violence of man with Cleon Peterson's graphic paintings, discover the cinematic baroque paintings of Jamie Adams, and review on the new Peelander Z documentary Mad Tiger! Plus, this issue also includes a special 16-page insert section of cover artist Charlie Immer. Immerse yourself in his brilliantly colored ghastly world in this special full color gloss section. View more sample previews here! Pre-order Hi-Fructose Vol.40 here!

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