EXHIBITION DATES: 5 - 19 October 2012 | OPENING NIGHT: Friday 5 October 6 - 9pm

Curated by Jacqueline Gwynne

This is a charitable exhibition aiming to raise funds and provisions for the Lost Dogs & Cats Home www.dogshome.com. We are requesting guests to bring donations eg: toys, blankets, dog food, cat food, bird seed....

Since the dawn of time humans have been inspired by animals as a central element in art and our lives, as a source of food, travel and companionship. The cave paintings of early tribes, the Ancient Egyptians animal headed gods and the mythical creatures in Greek mythology functioned to invoke animal spirits or were worshipped in spiritual practice.

What is it about animals that inspires artists today? Their human qualities, physical beauty, their innocence, characteristics that we admire like the special ability to see in the dark. Animals have telepathic powers and extra sensory perception. The symbolism of animals is an individual interpretation depending on the artist’s cultural background and personal symbols. One could be drawn to the power of a lion, a bird’s freedom, elegance of felines, grace of a swan, or the wisdom of an owl. We have strong bonds with the animal kingdom and have more in common with them than we realize. Humans have animalistic instincts that motivate our behaviour. Our instincts drive us in every aspect of our life. The animalistic urge to survive, the instinct of fear warns us of danger, the instinct to procreate is vital to perpetuate the species.

We have strong bonds with the animal kingdom and have more in common with them than we realize. Humans have animalistic instincts that motivate our behaviour. Our instincts drive us in every aspect of our life. The animalistic urge to survive, the instinct of fear warns us of danger, the instinct to procreate is vital to perpetuate the species.

Can you imagine a world without animals?

Aaron Billings | Alicia Centofanti | Basak Savcigil | Cara Gallina | Cezary Stulgis | Chloe Mann | Jacqueline Gwynne | Kaitlyn Gibson | Katrina Young | Lorena Monsalves | Luka Va | Mike Makatron | Nick Heynsbergh | Peter Eglezos | Rosie Royston | Sai-Wai Foo | Tim Collins | Trish Leone | Tristan Davies | Tul Suwannakit | Shini Pararajasingham