Animalia II (2021)

An Exhibit by Polly Little

An intense investigation of the human-animal bond lies at the core of Polly Little’s exhibit of recent paintings and sculptures, Animalia II. Based on her exhaustive observation of domestic pets, wild animals in zoos and in nature, as well as animal photography, Little’s paintings depict not only the wary animal gaze, but also suggest spiritual connections. They remind us of the cultural history of humankind’s relations with animals, both worshipped and sacrificed, and as man’s first painting subjects. Little’s motivation arises from her admiration of the instinctual, unwavering honesty of animal behavior, a characteristic often lacking in their human counterparts. Her expressionist brushwork reveals her passion for the pro-cess of painting and her mastery of oil technique. Little’s energetic brush strokes and chisel marks in woodcuts suggest constant change and reflect the mutable challenges of life in all its forms. The show consists of paintings with evocative frames portraying animals in landscapes, a series of small mono-chrome “animal portraits,” and inked woodcuts. And, in contrast to the specific animal subjects, Little’s colored plaster sculptures of mammals of indefinite classification contribute a touch of whimsy.

Watch the Facebook live artist talk with Polly Little.

Polly Little is a printmaker and painter based in Buffalo, NY. She is known for her animal portraits as well as her inked wood blocking. Little works with oil, pastel, and ink. Little received her BA in fine arts from Missouri Western State College in 1976. She went on to receive a BFA in painting and drawing from the University of New Mexico in 1978 and her MA in 1980.

Little has exhibited in solo and two-person shows in New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and throughout Western New York. Her work has been on view at the Albright Knox Museum, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Rockefeller Art Center, Burchfield Penney Art Center. Little was also the recipient of a 2011 NYFA MARK residency. Polly Little was a Development Director at the Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center for 15 years. She also taught at other Universities all throughout Western New York. These schools included Daemen College, Erie Commu-nity College, Arts in Education Institute of Western New York, Williamsville Public School District and Medaille College.