Methods of Collection, a new exhibition inspired by the scientific tradition of collecting zoological specimens, will open at the University City Science Center’s Esther Klein Gallery (EKG) on February 11, 2016 and run through March 25th. An opening reception featuring a special performance piece by Pierre Trombert will be held at EKG, located at 3600 Market Street in Philadelphia, on Thursday, February 11th from 5:00-7:30pm.
Preserved animal specimens have been collected for centuries for the study of natural history and the advancement of science. Methods of Collection features work from 13 artists exploring the preservation and collection of various species. Each artist explores this notion using various mediums, including actual preserved animals. Methods of Collection aims to emphasize a respect for animals and an acknowledgement of the mortality of all living beings.
Visitors to the gallery can expect to see taxidermied peacocks, crystallized alligator skulls, diaphonized wet specimens, crocheted bird skeletons and dogs crafted from their own fur. Other works in the show include anatomical studies using embroidery and collage, photography of exploded skull models, and anthropomorphic sculpture.
Methods of Collection is curated by Angela McQuillan of the Science Center. Participating artists include Terri Aluise, Richard Barnes, Travis Bedel, Beth Beverly of Diamond Tooth Taxidermy, Lauren Davies, Greg Eaton of The Whole Mount, Darla Jackson, Stephanie Metz, Caitlin T. McCormack, Deborah Simon, Tyler Thrasher, Pierre Trombert and Nathan Vieland.
About the Science Center
The University City Science Center is a dynamic hub for innovation, and entrepreneurship and technology development in the Greater Philadelphia region. It provides business incubation, programming, lab and office facilities, and support services for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing and established companies. Since it was founded in 1963, graduate organizations and current residents of the University City Science Center’s Port business incubators have created more than 15,000 jobs that remain in the Greater Philadelphia region today and contribute more than $9 billion to the regional economy annually. The Science Center is leveraging its history as the nation’s oldest and largest urban research park as it joins forces with Wexford Science + Technology, a BioMed Realty company, to expand its footprint and rebrand its physical campus as uCity Square — a true mixed-use community of ingenuity. For more information about the Science Center, go to ucscreview.org.
About the Esther Klein Gallery
The Esther Klein Gallery (EKG), which opened in 1976, uses the creative arts as a platform to explore relationships between art, science and technology. EKG seeks to positively impact the cultural life of both its immediate neighborhood of West Philadelphia and the broader Philadelphia community. EKG programming is designed to explore the range of art, science and technology exhibitions and includes gallery talks, panel discussions, and education programs. For more information, visit http://www.EstherKleinGallery.tumblr.com
