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The diversity of animal imagery in Animal Instinct reveals the wide-ranging roles animals inhabit in an anthropocentric world. From wild beasts to loyal companions, artists help viewers reflect on their connections to animals and the myriad roles that various creatures play in our lives. Several of the works tap into the human desire to anthropomorphize creatures in order to better understand them, while others explore the endearing emotional bonds between humans and animals. From Kate Javen’s (American, b. 1959) poetic painting of a bison named for a historical anarchist to Alen MacWeeney’s (Irish, b. 1939) majestic photograph of a white horse in Donegal, Ireland, this exhibition offers a chance to reflect on our relationships with animals and how they are an intrinsic part of our lives.

This exhibition is organized by Telfair Museums and curated by Erin Dunn, Assistant Curator.

Alen MacWeeney
White Horse, Donegal, Ireland, 1979
Gelatin silver print mounted on heavy paper stock
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Oxnard Jr., 2004.13.2.5
© Alen MacWeeney 1965-1966

Kate Javens
Named for Oscar Neebe, 2005
Oil on canvas
Purchased with funds provided by the William Jay Society, 2005.34
© Kate Javens

Roni Horn
Untitled, c.1996
Color photograph
Gift of Zoë and Joel Dictrow, 2013.4.6
© Roni Horn