Unnatural Histories VII
To purchase please email gallerist@antlerpdx.com
Please feel free to inquire about payment plan options.
This show is our eighth annual Unnatural Histories exhibition. This has become our flagship group-show in which artists are asked to create work depicting a mythical creature in their own style and medium, but inspired/influenced by more traditional natural history drawing, painting and sculpture. Artists are free to choose a subject from existing mythology, reference cryptozoology or create their very own creature. The texts that accompany each piece are penned by the artist.
Brett Stenson - "Bertuch's Dragon"
Acryla Gouache, 12x12"
$400
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"Dragons are ubiquitous in the history of mythology around the world – found in many different time periods and regions throughout time. Their depictions can range from serpent to lizard-like with four legs, some wingless, and some with wings of eyes breathing fire. One of my favorite examples would, of course, be the legendary and "most specially greedy, strong and wicked worm" Smaug in J.R.R.Tolkien's "The Hobbit". This particular depiction was an homage to Friedrich Justin Bertuch's illustration of a dragon from 1806, who started an artist school for students based their skills and inclusion of folks of all socially diverse backgrounds."
Brin Levinson - "Liontári Fotiás"
oil on panel, 15 x 26
$1,200
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Myths describe a brilliant illuminated beast, catching fire as it streaked across the plains. Many legends are thought to arise from these accounts. In ancient times, the lion constellation lined up almost perfectly with the summer solstice. It's brightest star, Regulus, was called the "Red Flame" and was thought to contribute to the heat of summer.
Veronica Park - Sanguinary Owl
Mixed Media: Watercolour, gouache, digital, 18” x 24”
$1400
Sanguinary Owl (Strix Sanguinarius)
Size: 40 – 44 inches
Weight: 13 – 20 lbs
Wingspan: 84 – 88 inches
Found throughout the deserts and mesas of Arizona and New Mexico, the Sanguinary Owl is a rare species of Strix identifiable by its haunting, sorrowful cry and piercing blue eyes. Rivalling the largest raptors in size and weight, it is a powerful hunter and a master of stealth.
Sanguinary Owls are highly prized as witches’ familiars due to their rarity and intelligence, and for their plumage; the blood-stained feathers of the breast and facial disk are particularly potent ingredients for hexes and love potions.
Diet: Fresh blood, preferably that of large mammals such as cattle, coyotes, even humans.
Feeding Behaviour: Primarily hunts at night, stalking prey from a low perch or ledge. It is an incredibly stealthy hunter, seamlessly camouflaging into its surroundings while silently shadowing its prey. It utilizes its great size and weight to tackle its quarry to the ground. It may also “hypnotize” prey into compliance using its piercing blue gaze.
Reproduction: Largely unknown. It is theorized that like old-world Striges, Sanguinary Owls propagate by metamorphosis. Spiritual healers or witches enticed by dark magic may suffer a physical transformation if they commit an abhorrent act, and at least one hypothesis suggests that the Sanguinary Owl could be the result of such a transformation.
Katy Harrald - 'The Portland Merchicken'
Pencil on Paper, 8.5"x11.5"
$375
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The mysterious Mer-chicken of Portland was first sighted in November 1457.
Witnessed by the entire population of the isle of Portland, it was described as a monstrous marine cockerel which rose up out of the waves, the size of four or five men, “hauin a great crest vpon his head, and a great red beard, and legs halfe a yard long.” After crowing and frantically bobbing its head four times to each point of the compass, this monster submerged back beneath the waves.
It was not seen again until 1757, when it was sighted by historian the Reverend John Hutchins. Later tales emerged in the nineteeth century, and more recently 1995.
With a magical and rugged coastline such as Dorset’s; who is to say this monster of the deep hasn’t found its home amongst the rocky outcrops and hidden coves.
Joe Vollan - Summoning the ‘Neathling
Oil on Birch Panel, 11”x23" (13”x25” framed)
$1500
Banished to spend eternity beneath our world , the Vengeance Demon or ‘Neathling. Bound by one hand between the underworld and earth it’s hand appears in our world as a short claw like tree with red leaves. To awaken and free a ‘neathling to do your bidding, create a small doll in its likeness (‘Neathlings are vain creatures). Place a small possession of your victim in the branchy grasp of the ‘neathling tree. Pace around it in a counterclockwise circles while repeating the words “Summon the ‘Neathling” until the sky begins to go dark.
Elizabeth Jean Younce - America, the destructive
Lithograph, 14"x16"
$375 framed (one available)
$250 unframed (17 available)
Squawking, choking, tangling— struggling to find a balance between greed and what is good for itself. The Bald Eagle and the Rose cannot survive without one another, yet they cannot seem to exist in harmony either. Day in and day out spiny flowers protrude from the Eagles beak and ensnare its feathered body, pulling him in directions he refuses. The Roses know what’s best as they pursue beauty, love, and humility but, the mighty Eagle fights back. He wants things his way or no way at all. Though passionate and strong the Roses wither under the overbearing brutality of his feathers, leaving behind a tattered semblance of what once was. It’s been said that one cannot help oneself and someone else simultaneously. There will always be a compromise, a give and take.
Kevin Peterson - Angel
13.5 x 19.5 (oval), Framed: 15x21
Oil on panel
$4200
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The transformations began slowly as needs for survival changed. The anxiety of the changes seemed only to accelerate them and make them more pronounced. The unsubstantiated fear of non – hybrid species is a direct cause of the violence that occurred later. After the reforms, and despite enduring conspiracy theories in certain circles, we now know for certain that a different approach to the issue at its onset would have alleviated much unnecessary conflict.
Sean Chao - Caulimeowers
W 10.5” X L 8.5” X D 5”, Mixed Media
$1000
Caulimeowers is a perfect pet/plant to have if you have a garden at home. It requires moisturized soil and sunlight, but prefers cool temperatures year-round.
Caulimeowers bloom during Spring, and when fully grown the flower crumbs can be pilled off easily for consumption.
The crumbs taste delicious roasted, however some Caulimeowers would bite or scratch if your feet smells, so approach with caution.
Use a bell to lure them. They have a playful and curious nature.
Vanessa Rivera - "Questzalcoatl, or the Morning Star creating Light and Mercy"
16"x20", Oil on canvas
$825
"Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent and the Morning Star, one of 4 brothers who represented the cardinal directions. Lord of the Dawn, he was the boundary between earth and sky, bringing knowledge and light with daybreak. He could be felt in the wind, and pulled clouds of rain over the land, intertwining in all aspects of mankind's lives. His legend is as old as any tale that can be told"
Hanna Jaeun - "Little Medusa"
12"x16", Acrylic on Wood panel
$875
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There are varying versions of the Medusa mythology. In earlier versions, she was a hideous creature and in later versions, she was a beautiful maiden who was later turned into a monstrous being spawned from jealousy.
Here, she is transforming into the Medusa we are familiar with, her hair turning into venomous snakes. She is grasping onto her former self by decorating what once was her beautiful hair with ribbons.
Jackie Avery - ‘Fake It ‘till You Make It’
acrylic on canvas, 16"x20”
$450
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CONATUS UNICORNIS
This stout creature is notable for its strong sense of self and tireless determination. Born without a horn, Conatus Unicornis finds a way to craft one itself, which is no small feat for one with hooves.
Originally from Scotland, the Conatus Unicornis is now found in temperate zones worldwide, and is known to be great fun at parties.
Neil M. Perry - Palms
Acrylic on Panel, 12"x16"
$800
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I was forged by Pharaohs and revered as a God. For centuries I kept company exclusively with monarchs, though as a consequence of ill-fortune rather than by design. I am father to all dogs who hunt by sight and as such it is little wonder that I am the marvel of human literature. Chaucer and Shakespeare found room for me in their pages, even the bible calls upon me by name. In humanity’s darkest age I was set-aside and spared extinction where others were allowed to expire. I was a faithful companion as white people took to the seas in search of the new world then exploited for my speed in games of risk and reward (financial, naturally) as the firebird of capitalism arose from the ashes of burned villages. Beset on all sides by those who wish to use my superlative skills, I’ve made a habit of seeking our friends and protectors when the walls start to close around me. Those who find a friend in me often being me with them to the precipice of the next life, in the knowledge that a more dependable companion does not exist.
Kim Slate - The Pale Elephant
Clay, gouache, 6"x5"x6"
$500
Once every 967 years, a rare pale elephant is born in the lowlands of India. Carried by the strongest and bravest member of the herd, the pale elephant embarks on a long, dangerous journey to a secret valley deep in the Himalayas. After trekking day and night through rain and snow, she finally reaches the valley of the Lotus Tree where she is crowned Queen. She symbolizes strength and wisdom and will serve as the protector of the land for the next 967 years.
Auspicious Beasts
Pen and Ink on hand cut, suspended, layered paper
(Shadowbox Paper Sculpture)
14.25” x 14.25” x 2.5" (framed: 16” x 16” x 3.75")
$4200
Chinese mythology is full of fantastic supernatural and mythical creatures and as such it was a natural choice for this narrative shadowbox. This piece depicts a scene with four benevolent beasts choosing a divine ruler.
From left to right and top to bottom it showcases the Quilin (麒麟) - a hooved chimera that is known to be a divine and peaceful creature yet fearsome and only righteously punishing the wicked. A symbol of luck, fertility and protection, it is said to appear to a benevolent ruler and allow only the pure of heart to be carried on its back.
Xuanwu (玄武) - to achieve divinity Xian Wu, a mortal prince, had to purge his sins which lived in his intestine and stomach. To purify them he cut them out and washed them in a river. His stomach turned into a large demonic turtle and the intestine took on a shape of the snake. Xian Wu subdued them and instead of destroying the creatures he allowed them to atone. Intertwined, the Snake and the Tortoise became the symbols of longevity, fertility, and balance.
Zouyu (騶虞) - a fairly unknown legendary creature which is mentioned in old Chinese literature. Described as a righteous animal resembling a fierce-looking tiger yet as gentle as a flower, which, similar to a Quilin, only appears and bows to a sincere and benevolent monarch.
Amy Ruppel - "Polarus"
12x18", Acrylic on wood
$800
The numbers of animals relying on sea ice for survival had dropped to the lowest levels of threatened extinction. Those that survived relied upon other species to continue on. The polar bear and walrus, after being forced to share hunting and feeding territories, adapted to one another's habits, and thusly, began to mate. The Polarus is the result of this communion. Having to give up a diet of fish and seals, the Polarus has an affinity for the few now soft mollusks that can be found digging deep with their tusks, and for algae that grows beneath the remaining beds of artificial sea ice.
Katie So - “The Mothman”
Gouache and Ink, 11”x14”
$400
Its glowing red eyes and giant wings spread across the night sky bring panic and distress to those who see it. It is said to predict catastrophe, and thought to be the only one of it’s kind: a solemn and solitary creature likened to the Angel of Death.
Despite being a herald of disaster, many are drawn to the Mothman, eager to catch a glimpse.
Rachel Sabin - "Liminalis"
Oil on Canvas, 20"x24" (21.5"x 24.5" framed)
$1200
"The water stills. Placid now, ripples slowing until gone, a perfect reflection of the opposite bank is revealed, mirror-like.
The shore is no longer. The horizon is undone. There is something here.
Is it ambivalent? Dangerous? Only you know, in this moment, what your instincts tell you.
It is nature, the elements, combined into a god that is at once recognizable and deeply unfamiliar. There is more than just one. They are beautifully, terrifyingly infinite.
The wind breaks. The water moves. The creatures dissipate, for now.
Liminalis."
