In existence for just four years — and with a small staff — The Church has mounted 20 exhibitions. But even more astonishing than the number of shows is their diversity. Typewriters, bicycles, guitars, boxing, and Indigenous art are only a sampling of themes and materials that have filled the exhilarating interior of the desanctified church. Animals are about to be added to the list.
“The Ark,” curated by Eric Fischl, the Sag Harbor venue’s co-founder, “refers directly to the myth of the Deluge: an event of such apocalyptic scale, forewarned, unheeded, and unstoppable, that it appeared it would be the end of all life on earth,” according to The Church.
Consisting entirely of animal sculptures by over 40 international artists of the last century, the exhibition looks closely at man’s relationship with animals, nature, and self. It will open with a reception that is free to all on Saturday at 6 p.m. and run through Sept. 1.
“These works explore themes of beauty, empathy, vulnerability, desperation, tenderness, and connection to both the otherness of animals in the wildness of nature and a mirroring metaphor for the interior world of Self,” said Mr. Fischl. “The works are, for the most part, handmade, which further highlights the complexity of our experience of both the art object created and the emotional urgency one feels through its maker.”
The show extends outdoors, with several works installed throughout The Church’s garden, and for the first time it includes an outdoor deck, adjacent to the mezzanine level, where Louise Bourgeois’s “Spider Couple,” a 12-foot sculpture from 2003, will be sited. It’s the first time one of those iconic works will be shown at an arts institution on the East End.
“The Ark” also includes a collaboration with the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum on a community-wide art project to decorate a large wooden ark that will be displayed on that museum’s front lawn throughout the summer. In addition, the museum is hosting a marine animal-themed show, organized by Dave O., that includes paintings and sculptures from 13 artists. A reception will take place there from 5 to 7:30.
In addition to the Bourgeois, “The Ark” will include works by Monica Banks, Rembrandt Bugatti, Deborah Butterfield, Joan Brown, Maurizio Cattelan, Thomas Deininger, Jim Dine, William Edmondson, Angus Fairhurst, Daniel Firman, Elisabeth Frink, Jean-François Gambino, Brendan Hesmondhalgh, Nicola Hicks, and Bryan Hunt.
Other contributing artists are Jörg Immendorff, Ryan Johnson, William Kent, William Kentridge, Sherrie Levine, Sarah Lucas, Kate MccGwire, Allan McCollum, Mentawai people, Bruce Nauman, John O’Reilly, Charles Ray, Germaine Richier, Jane Rosen, Susan Rothenberg, Claudette Schreuders, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Kiki Smith, Anthony Theakston, Nichola Theakston, Catherine Thiry, Rosemarie Trockel, William Tucker, Patrick Villas, and Daisy Youngblood.
The first public program for “The Ark,” set for Sunday at 3 p.m., will illuminate the processes and technologies used in the creation of two works in the show. Mr. Firman, a French artist, will discuss with April Gornik, The Church’s co-founder, “The Sleep in the Forest,” his life-size sculpture of an elephant balancing on its trunk. It was made by a special 3-D printing process and printed specifically for the exhibition.
The other process displays the lost-wax technique, which uses clay hand-modeling for casting bronze. Mr. Villas, who divides his time between Belgium and France, will embark on a live sculpture session in the venue’s studio space. The creator of “Monumental Walking Panther” and “Cheetah,” which are both in the show, Mr. Villas will demonstrate his process; Edwina Van der haegen, a Belgian gallerist who represents the artist, will provide a technical explanation of the technique.
“The Ark” will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, featuring all of the works in the show as well as text contributions by many of the artists. The catalogue is designed and produced by Pointed Leaf Press.
