“On the Brink” recently opened at the G2 Gallery. What a beautiful and compelling exhibition. I highly recommend that you pop into the gallery within the next month or so.
My first visit to the G2 Gallery was at its grand opening event back in 2008 – I marveled at the quality of the work that was shown! Environmentally focused, G2 Gallery places its love of wildlife and the environment ahead of its financial needs. Although this may be hard to believe at first, it becomes quite apparent once you get to know the staff and experience firsthand the spirit of generosity from Daniel and Susan Gottlieb (owners of the gallery).
Gallery director Jolene Hanson has taken on the arduous task of gathering together images of over 200 species. Paying tribute to species that have already been lost, as well as the ones still struggling to re-gain a position in this world, “On the Brink” also celebrates the survivors…the species that have been resurrected. The exhibit is being presented in conjunction with Earth Month as well as the 50th anniversary of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. http://www.iucnredlist.org/
See image: Land Iguana, Galapagos Island by J.J. L’Heureux
One photographer who has contributed to the awareness of several endangered groups is J.J. L’Heureux. Probably best known for her delightful images of penguins, L’Heureux has traveled to Antarctica on thirteen expeditions. She has been featured in two solo shows at G2 Gallery – “Cold Feet” and “Faces from the Southern Ocean.”
L’Heureux embarked on her photographic career later in life. Schooled in traditional art and painting, she is still to this day an avid painter and mixed media artist. It was not until her second exhibition to Antarctica that L’Heureux actually owned a camera. “Each year I learn more about photography as I would like to take an image in a particular situation,” cites the photographer. “Moving animals in very bright environments and historic huts with very little light coming from windows have been my motivation.”
Se
e image: Yellow-eyed Penguin from Enderby Island by J.J. L’Heureux
It is extraordinary to think that L’Heureux has only been shooting photographs for twelve years. She recently told me that, in order not to scare the animals off, she often spends much of her time waiting, (sometimes lying on the ground) for her subjects to come to her – catching a glimpse of them unaffected in their element. L’Heureux recounts what she looks for while photographing….”I like to try to capture what I feel is a bit of the personality of the animal. For me, it is the faces…..especially the eyes.”
L’Heureux’s photography is currently on view in two one-person exhibitions at the Science Spectrum Museum in Lubbock, Texas as well as one at the Lafayette Science Museum in Lafayette, Louisiana. http://www.jjlheureux.com http://www.penguinspirit.com
The exhibition will feature over twenty-five talented photographers, including Jennifer MaHarry. An animal lover, MaHarry partnered with Animal Wellness Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society to host a pet adoption night as part of her exhibition “Homeward Bound” at G2 Gallery. “Birds of prey are in danger because household poisons and lead bullets are in many of their food sources,” cites MaHarry. “Being on top of the food chain, they ingest toxins in the most concentrated way. But the good news is that people are now more informed. Recently, California outlawed lead bullets and certain household poisons. In the 60’s, when DDT was outlawed, we saw a comeback of certain species like the peregrine – which is now off the endangered list.” http://jennifermaharry.com/
I had the chance to stop into the gallery this week and had a sneak peek of the show…Jolene put together a stunning exhibition. If you can’t make the opening, be sure to visit the gallery before June 8th.
Be aware that you MUST RSVP and there is a $10.00 admission at the door…..but it includes wine, hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary valet. Plus, 100% goes to IUCN. RSVP to rsvp@theg2gallery.com
On View April 22 – June 8
What: Opening reception
Where: G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice 90291
When: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm; Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Phone: 310.452.2842
Website: www.theg2gallery.com
