In a world where the lines between nature and human impact blur, Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, WA, is gearing up to host a thought-provoking exhibition that promises to be anything but garden-variety. Dubbed "Unnatural Selection," this show brings together the remarkable wildlife portrait series by the artist Erik Fremstad, featuring all six of his large-scale paintings under one roof for the first time. The exhibition, set to enchant visitors from February 16 through April 7, 2024, at Wagner House, is a must-visit for anyone with a penchant for art, wildlife, or the intricate dance between the two.
Erik Fremstad's "Unnatural Selection" is not your typical wildlife art exhibit. From afar, the paintings might deceive you as mere animal portraits, but step closer, and you're drawn into a world where art meets advocacy, revealing the stark realities of human impact on wildlife through detailed imagery and narratives. Fremstad's technique is as meticulous as the message is profound; each piece is a culmination of months of research, painstakingly outlined with stories of devastation and resilience, and brought to life with vibrant watercolors.
With subjects ranging from bison and wolves to sea turtles and polar bears, Fremstad doesn't just paint animals; he tells their survival stories against the odds of human advancement. It's a wake-up call artfully disguised as an exhibition, aiming to educate and inspire action towards wildlife protection. This show is a deep dive into the history of persecution these species have faced, all intertwined to illustrate the cost of progress on nature.
As Lakewold Gardens prepares to unveil this unique blend of art and environmental advocacy, it's not just an exhibition opening but a celebration of Fremstad's six-year journey of research and creation. The reception on February 16, complemented by a video documentary of Fremstad's creative process, and his discussion at the Winter Garden Poetry event, promises to be an enlightening experience for all attendees.
For those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the power of art to convey urgent messages, "Unnatural Selection" at Lakewold Gardens offers an immersive experience that's hard to forget. It's an invitation to see beyond the canvas and ponder our role in shaping the fate of our planet's wildlife.
