November 15 - December 29, 2001
The tradition of performing objects stretches back to folk theater, religious ceremony and ancient performance practices. Animas! references these through mask and puppetry, but also encompasses an engaging array of drawing, sculpture and installation - to explore, in a broader sense, the spirit that animates objects and brings them to life. Some of the work resonates with familiar stories: a pigeon puppet from The Producers or a melting Ninja Turtle popsicle; at other times we are faced with anonimity - everyday tables that float off on adventures we can only imagine and boys whose impossibly large heads create no end of difficulties. While some objects physically move, others are acted upon through the element of performance. All come to life in the eyes and minds of fortunate spectators.
Sincerest thanks go to Hanne Tierney, for her inspiration, her willingness to exchange ideas, and share the magic of abstract theater; and to the Rotunda staff who have worked tirelessly to realize this exhibition and make its benefit preview a success, and lastly to the artists whose stories delight us and transport us and who have invested each object with their passion and their love.