LAGUNA BEACH, CA: We cruised down to check out Dennis McNett’s much anticipated solo show, Wolfbat Shamans and The Whale of Gratitude, at AR4T gallery Saturday, February 4th, presented by VANS.   The show was hands down amazing,from hand-carved wood Shaman Masks and totem faces, Portholes, Shields, prints, and a seriously impressive installation–the Whale of Gratitude.  Congrats on a great show Dennis. Everyone should go see this. 

Girlfriend Miryam and artist Dennis McNett. 

Torrey and Dana from AR4T gallery! Thanks again!!

Also equally intriguing is Dennis’s mythology behind the show: Wolfbat Shamans and The Whale of Gratitude.  

Two Shaman have conjured the Whale of Gratitude by opening a porthole to the world.  The whale grows larger and larger with more gratitude.

Using the Shamans as guides, you the viewer are the newest Shaman.

The show is the ceremony for the new beginnings of the whale and its annual journey.  When the whale is overgrown, it pours out its gratitude back through a second porthole, which dispenses all the positivity back around. 

During this, the Shamans guide the tribesmen through the portholes: each with a different purpose, like contacting your ancestors for advice. Every year this will happen. 

I think it’s a pretty awesome tale for the whole show, reminding adults and kids about gratitude, tradition, and power of mythology. 

Back to more pics

Brian selling prints for seriously a really good price.  That rad close up of the wolf was $20.

Russ discusses the proper way to transport this McNett print. 

I think that one mask is alive. 

Collage, hand screen prints on wood 

Watch your back dude. 

Russ gives a thumbs up to the show. 

Artist Evan Rossell

Old grad school art buddies, Dennis McNett and Bill McRight

Artist Ben Brough bought in my opinion one of the best pieces, Pan.  stoked!

Russ ain’t afraid of shiiittt.

The band El Mysterioso played around 8 pm in the gallery to a packed crowd of onlookers. 

Follow Amanda at @Vans_66

Is that a Russ Pope showcard at AR4T April 5th I see? It is.

Mike Myers