Galleries

'Animalia': A Natural High At Irvine Contemporary

By Jessica Dawson

"Animalia" is a group show suggesting that our furry (and scaly) friends carry the brunt of our psychic projections. Sandra Bermudez translates Disney animation into three dimensions, posing chipmunks and birds like passed-out stoners. Adam Stennett's video captures an amorous couple seemingly oblivious to mice crawling all over them; the scene makes a nice metaphor for itchy desire. Though many of the exhibition's artists are worth knowing, the show's crowded hang, its peeling labels and the reviews tacked to the wall make "Animalia" tough to navigate.

"Animalia" at Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW, Washington D.C.Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 202-332-8767, to July 29. http://www.irvinecontemporary.com

Source: Dawson, Jessica, 'Animalia': A Natural High At Irvine Contemporary, The Washington Post, Arts and Living, Galleries, Saturday, July 8, 2006, Page C02.