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Some people might associate taxidermy with Norman Bates or their grandpa’s basement, but La Luz de Jesus elevates the skill to a fine art.
Friday night saw the opening of the gallery's 3rd Biennial Taxidermy Show, where rats, bats, roadkill, salvaged bones and more were used to create art both beautiful and macabre. (Note: La Luz de Jesus assured us in their press release that no animals were killed in any of the works, "but rather are used to create a conversation about death and taxidermy.")
A fanged deer with a squirrel in its mouth acted as a focal center point for the first room, while a second room was haunted by artist Ave Rose’s “Bestiary of the Automata” show. Rose’s featured work consisted of 17 pieces, including carousels of seahorses and motorized dolls made of animal skulls and paws. Rose talked about "ethically sourcing" her seahorses on La Luz de Jesus' page for the event, saying that because of their short lifespan (18-20 months) she was able to purchase them from breeders after they died.
"3rd Biennial Taxidermy Show" is on display through June 1 at La Luz de Jesus at 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz.