Thomas Birtwistle, United States, born 1965 Room 205, Nokomis Regional High School, 2005 chromogenic print, 16 x 20 in. Lent by J. E. Paterak
Artists & Performing Arts
Modern Art Meets Natural History
A new exhibition at the Portland Museum of Art goes wild.

Lauren Fensterstock United States, born 1975 Butterfly Tondo #5, 2004 butterfly wings on paper, 26 1/2 x 26 1/2 inches Lent by Beth and Jos van Mierlo
Iridescent butterfly wings form hypnotic patterns and enormous spiders crawl up the wall as the slightly damp aroma of a greenhouse hangs in the air. This scene is not a naturalist's study; rather it is "New Natural History," an exhibition recently opened at the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine. On February 23, visitors were presented with this uncommon art exhibition, featuring works that depict all manner of flora and fauna.

The artworks in this exhibition, which is open until May 11, are meant to contribute something to the canon of natural history. Whether old conventions are challenged or new environments are explored, the art demonstrates the importance of curiosity when it comes to our weird and wonderful world.

Drawing on traditional forms of representation for her paintings, Gail Spaien brings attention to the delicate details of plant life that are often unnoticed, or at least underappreciated. Like the 18th century botanical drawings that inspired them, Spaien's paintings are studies in the intricacies of plant life, yet there is also innocence to her work, as if Spaien simply wants viewers to celebrate the beauty of her subject. The essence of a flower is seemingly magnified by Spaien's brush, providing a fresh but honest perspective.

Lauren Fenterstock's artworks also offer a new perspective on the natural world. Unlike Spaien, however, Fenterstock takes a familiar form and deconstructs it. Using butterfly wings, Fenterstock creates assemblages that almost look like pressed flowers at first glance. Her groupings, which mimic the patterns on the wings themselves, have a fractal effect, as the wing pattern spirals out in glimmering bands of color. Fenterstock draws attention to the most beautiful aspect of the butterfly by forcing viewers to see beyond that ubiquitous shape.

As one moves through the gallery, it becomes clear that most of the works were created with the intention to turn the natural world on its head. Like Fenterstock, much of the artists seem to delight in surprising viewers. Photographer Thomas Birtwistle is one such artist. His eerie black and white images of a taxidermist's animal mannequins are intriguing as well as disturbing.

But Birtwistle does not dwell on the macabre for too long. In a series of color photographs, taxidermy animals find a place among chalkboards and file cabinets in a high school classroom. These humorous images show that although we still employ traditional forms of natural history to learn about our furred and feathered friends, the times certainly have changed.

But the artworks in this exhibition are not limited to examining animals and plants. After all, humans are a part of the natural world as well. Crystal Cawley's "Comparative Anatomy," an etching with collage, looks like a page out of Grey's Anatomy while Maggie Foskett's mysterious cibachrome prints combine photography with imagination. Her piece, "Pelvic Bones and Women Give Birth to Men Who Wear Uniforms" is like an X-ray gone sci-fi, as nestled among the bones are three photographs of somber military men.

"New Natural History" is appealing not just for the compelling, and oftentimes stunning artworks, but also for the promise of the unexpected. The hubris of the human race may lead us to believe that we have a grasp on the world that surrounds us, but as the featured artists in this exhibition prove, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

To Visit
Portland Museum of Art
Portland, Maine, 207 775-6148
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
See web site for more information: www.portlandmuseum.org