Lifelike mammals with wise expressions characterize the sculptures of Quentin Garel (previously). A deer with enormous antlers, an ibex – a type of wild goat – with curved horns and a beady-eyed donkey are just some of the creatures in the artist’s current solo exhibition. Gallery LJ, Dans la Forêt Lontaine—or: ‘in the distant forest’.
Oscillating between reality and fantasy, Garel’s sculptures portray creatures threatened by overhunting, displaying them on the wall or atop metal bars as trophies. He works with the natural wood grain, allowing the wreaths and knots to emphasize the muscles.
Part of a commissioned series for a public installation in Thonon-les-Bains, France, Garel explores the theme of mountain animals, drawing attention to the unnecessary impulse to hunt for sport. In Thonon-les-Bains, bronze casts of the pieces currently on display at Galerie LJ will be installed in a large wall fountain.
Dans la Forêt Lontaine continues through November 23 in Paris. Find more of Garel’s work at Instagram.
