PELHAM, NY.- Pelham Art Center is presenting Natural Enemies. One artist group and seven artists exhibit a diverse collection of artwork ranging from performance artifacts from an Ideological Tug of War to sculptural wooden wall objects; and a Collage Formation with sculpture based on a chicken liver to the duality of Martha Stewart vs. Martha Rosler. This group exhibition explores the inherent conflicts in human nature and the prevailing ideologies that influence and motivate our existence on an emotional and intellectual level. Curated by Elizabeth Saperstein.
Reason vs. Emotion. Sacrifice vs. Self-interest. The theme of human nature has inspired countless works of art and literature throughout history. Philosophers, economists, and ecologists continue to develop new lines of inquiry and theories to explain the subject. One popular theory suggests that our daily thoughts and actions are inextricably linked to underlying impulses in human behavior that may undermine the dominant notion of reason as the ultimate arbiter of decision-making. Another theory challenges homo economicus – that perhaps humans are not by nature cruel and motivated by self-interest, but more inclined to share, give and cooperate. “Human nature is potentially aggressive and destructive, and potentially orderly and constructive,” observed the cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead.
Today, even at the most prosaic levels, we are chided to “make smart choices,” which implies choosing between right and wrong, for one set of values against another. Whether addressing notions of what drives opposing values or reflecting on an increasingly rapacious culture, the exhibit presents an opportunity to start a conversation about integrating a better understanding of human nature – our beliefs, assumptions, and morality – into the way in which we communicate and conduct ourselves.
Participating artists: Inga Dorosz, Loren Eiferman, Dahlia Elsayed, The Ladies’ Auxiliary, Erik Parker; Tom Sanford, Barbara Weissberger, and Jeremy Willis.
Admission is free and open to the public.
