LAGUNA BEACH, CA:  AR4T gallery is proud to present Wolfbat Shamans and The Whale of Gratitude, Art by Dennis McNett on Saturday, February 4, 2012 presented by VANS.   Don’t miss Dennis’s first solo art show in California in three years!!!  

A large selection of Dennis McNett’s woodcut prints, sculptural forms, wall installations, papier mâché and masks in mythical and animalistic creations come to AR4T Gallery this February and March. The artist will spend several days building an original installation that will be on view for two months and will also host a craft day for kids in Laguna Beach. This will be his first solo art show in California in three years and his first time showing in Orange County.  

McNett’s artistic practice focuses on storytelling through mythopoetic images, sculptures, and public events/performances. His vocabulary of images borrows freely from Greek and Norse myths, Mexican muertos, and the animal kingdom, all synthesized into an idiosyncratic style that is deeply heartfelt. Often inspired by the spirits of close friends and admired figures, McNett has evolved these characters into a unique and personal mythology. Chief among these is the “Wolfbat,” a flying creature with bat wings and the head of a wolf. Inspired by the misunderstood Fenris of Norse myth, the Wolfbat “wakes up the sleeping spirit” and was featured in the 2007 Deitch Projects Art Parade in the form of masks worn by participants. Other characters and creatures include eagles, wolves, and skeletons, some of which have been developed into live, impromptu performances in the public sphere.

Expect to release your Inner Wolfbat!!

“WOLFBAT SHAMANS AND THE WHALE OF GRATITUDE”
Opening Reception, Saturday Feb. 4, 6 to 9 pm
Show runs Feb. 4-March 24
AR4T Gallery
210 N. Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA.

Free and open to the public. Parking Meters free after 7pm.

For more information contact: www.AR4T.com.  For more information on kids craft day with Dennis McNett, with woodcut printing, papier mâché mask-making and honorary Wolfbat initiation, please contact dana@ar4t.com. 

For more images and a Q&A  read below!

Here’s a Q&A courtesy of AR4T with Dennis McNett. 

1. Please introduce us to the Whale of Gratitude. What is it’s story?

DM: The Wolfbat tribe has made its way west across North America to Laguna Beach where shamans from the tribe have gathered to invoke the Whale of Gratitude. Each year the tribe stops to reflect on fallen tribesman, opportunities they have had, new members they have connected with, pay respect to those who have paved the path before them, and express gratitude for the energy and breath of the Wolfbat spirit. We have much to be grateful for this year.

2. Share with us a little of what you have planned for kids’ art day and what gave you the idea to have a kids day.

DM: Youth are more connected with the energy and spirit of the Wolfbat. They are less connected to material things, their hearts and minds are not cluttered with paying bills, a career,  and other worries. They are more free. I will show them how to make Wolfbat tribes masks from paper mache and woodcut prints and extend an invitation to be honorary Wolfbats.

3. Very excited that you’re bringing your art to the Orange County audience for the first time. As someone who has traveled your art all over the U.S., with a handful of art shows in California, how do west coast art audiences compare to where you live and work in Brooklyn?

DM: Brooklyn is a really great home base because it has a lot of creative energy which is encouraging and motivating. However, Wolfbats can not stay stationary for too long and need to connect with a broader spectrum of souls. California has been really responsive, calming, and kind anytime the Wolfbats have flown through in the past. We are looking forward to coming out to Orange County to share some gratitude.

4. We find that metal and punk rock bands go well with art at our gallery… how has punk rock helped define your style as an artist?

DM: The graphics coming from the early 80’s skateboard and punk rock seen grabbed hold of my guts at an early age. The raw, contrasty, energetic marks and imagery were a huge influence then and I’m still inspired by it’s vitality now. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Born in 1972 in Virginia Beach, VA, Dennis McNett received a BFA from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and an MFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He lives and works in Ridgewood, NY. Solo exhibitions of his work include the upcoming New Works at Joshua Liner Gallery, New York (2011); Year of the Wolfbat, Fecal Face Dot Gallery, San Francisco (2009); and Driving Through, The Life Art Gallery, Portland, OR (2008). His work has been featured in the following selected group exhibitions: Barnstormers, Joshua Liner Gallery, New York (2010); Outlaws and Wild Animals, Rebus Works, Raleigh, NC (2009); From the Streets of Brooklyn, Thinkspace Gallery, Los Angeles (2009); Titanium Exposed, Fecal Face Gallery, San Francisco (2008); INprint, SCA Contemporary Art, Albuquerque, NM (2008); and Inky and Stinky, Lombardi Gallery, Austin, TX (2008).