Featuring works by William Wegman, Chris Marker, Jillian McDonald, Peter Fischli and David Weiss, and Nina Katchadourian, Animal Series explores the myriad ways that humans understand their relationship to animals. While studies of animal behavior have evolved beyond anthropomorphism to include scientific accounts of animal personalities, these works of art reveal the persisting lure of sentimentality. McDonald’s film Chester and Poncho shows two chihuahuas backed by idyllic fields of sheep. The dogs delight at their surroundings and perhaps also at the viewers’ inevitable coos and sappy expressions. McDonald gives the audience the opportunity to enjoy sentimentality while also hinting at the naïveté of these emotions. New Media Gallery.
Chris Marker and William Wegman: April 23-May 28
Peter Fischli and David Weiss: June 4-July 9
Nina Katchadourian and Jillian McDonald: July 16-September 20