by Nancy Accomando

Rogue Taxidermy is the creation of oddities using traditional taxidermy materials and techniques. Animals are not killed for the work, but are used to open a dialogue about death & taxidermy.

Guest curator Robert Marbury (along with his partners Scott Bibus and Sarina Brewer) coined the term in 2004, upon forming the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists. Road kill becomes a central part of their “recycled” philosophy, as are discarded livestock, destroyed nuisance animals, casualties of the pet trade and animals that have expired from natural causes. Other sculptures utilize taxidermy materials with custom stitching to fashion beasts from the recycled pelts of toy stuffed animals. Elements of technology and decoration combine to create ornaments that approach high art, not only in craft, but in concept. Materials and even species are mixed, helping to broaden presumptive definitions. Pieces in this exhibition span Steam Punk to Rococo-from playful to elegant. This exhibition includes new work from: Enrique Gomez de Molina, Jessica Joslin, Elizabeth McGrath, and Brian Poor in addition to M.A.R.T. regulars Brooke Weston, Jeanie M, Melissa Dixson, Mirmy Winn, Alan Wadzinski, and founders Robert Marbury, Scott Bibus, and Sarina Brewer.

This collective of artists work was a sight to be seen! Not to mention the Jalapeno Magarita’s to accompany these taxidermied creations! And then there was the crowd that this exhibit attracted. At moments I found myself just as intrigued by individuals in attendance this evening as much as I was by the art work on display. After my fourth lap around the two separate rooms for this show, and 2 margaritas, I gravitated towards my favorite two pieces which were by Brooke Weston, “Big Red” and “Cotton”. The closer you got to these you find that the neck is hollowed out and a little doll house interior scene has been created. They were beautiful, weird and very creative. As were most of the pieces that night. There actaully was another Deer Head in the show by Brian Poor which was a big hit. This Deer was actually made of Metals, electronics, deer antlers, found objects (Camera & motion sensor in nose), called “Deerhead Chingadera” . People would get really close to it’s motion sensor nose not realizing next to this piece was a little black and white tv that displayed the video capture from the Deer Heads perspective.

The following night the gallery was having a Squirrel Chili Cook off….I unfortunately had to miss that. But at least I caught the show…Make sure you do too! Runs ’till the end of the month! Check the La Luz de Jesus Gallery online for more details at www.laluzdejesus.com