A Modern Bestiary

‘A Modern Bestiary’

Animals - fact and fiction

Explore the animal kingdom, real and imagined, through the eyes of artists who have a personal and contemporary take on this fascinating genre.

Steeped in tradition the Bestiary has compelled artists and writers from shamanistic neolithic era to medieval times, from Victorian to the 21st century.

Historically  intended as moral instruction the iconography, usually accompanied with text, followed the sequence of creation theories - Unicorn, Lion, Quadruoeds, Birds, Reptiles, Sea Creatures  -  many depicted as hybrid monstrous creatures.  

Current  interactions of humans with animals  is today at the forefront of our consciousness and conscience. Now more than ever.  

The issues are complex and  diverse whether farmed for food, sport,  for research,  conservation, or as companions, and are frequently experience by us humans from a distance as TV documentaries, books and stories,  anthropomorphic cartoons, games and of course art.  

This exhibition will bring you closer to the animal kingdom in intriguing, joyous, powerful and sometimes scary ways. 

Not only will you see amazing art works, but this will be an extended and interactive exhibition with poets, writers, workshops and the like.