Let’s Talk About ‘The Elephant in the Room’
A new art exhibit celebrates the vulnerability of the largest mammal on earth
Photo provided by Bonilla Panter, Courtesy of Niza knoll Gallery
It’s almost impossible to find anybody who doesn’t love elephants. Classic children’s books, movies, toys, and of course, a visit to the zoo, all present opportunities to celebrate these gentle giants.
A new, uplifting juried art exhibition also celebrates the majestic elephant with selected works rendered in clay, paint, photography, charcoal, wax, and a variety of mixed media pieces. The exhibition runs through June 4th at the Niza Knoll Gallery in Denver. An Artist Reception Friday is planned for April 21st from 5-8 pm and guests are welcome to come meet the artists and view the exhibit. Art will be for sale throughout the show in the gallery and online.
Messenger | Photo courtesy of Niza Knoll Gallery
Gallery owner, Niza Knoll says “The exhibition is meant to raise attention and draw awareness to the plight of the Elephant.” With only 40,000 – 50,000 remaining in the wild, elephant populations have experienced significant declines over the last century. The greatest threat to African elephants is poaching for the illegal ivory trade while Asian elephants are at risk from habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Currently, elephants are classified as endangered.
Photo by Smith, Courtesy of Niza Knoll Gallery
Elephant societies are led by a matriarch and are organized in social structures of females and calves. Calves are cared for by an entire herd of related females while male elephants typically live in isolation or in small bachelor groups. A vital species, elephants help preserve the biodiversity of the ecosystems they inhabit. To thrive, elephants require extensive land areas to meet their ecological needs including food water and space. A dwindling amount of habitable land endangers elephants driving them to begin living too close to people. This proximity makes elephants extremely vulnerable despite their massive size.
Photo courtesy of Niza Knoll Gallery
The pieces in the exhibition present real and imagined depictions of these smart, emotional, self-aware, and highly social creatures, giving the viewer an opportunity to connect with them on a profound, aesthetic level. From the large, papier-mâché elephant named Zelda, created by Niza Knoll, Georgianne Rollman, Kristy Melodia, Nancy Enyart, and Sally Lewis, to a 10-foot elephant made of tulle, the variety of depictions will captivate and fascinate viewers of all ages.
For more information about The Elephant in the Room, and other upcoming exhibitions, please visit the Niza Knoll Gallery website for up-to-date gallery hours.
