DANA SHERWOOD | MYTHOLOGIES

Dana Sherwood is a multifaceted artist whose work poetically and critically explores the intersections between humans and nature. Her works—which include painting, video, and sculpture—invite us to see nature not as a passive object but as an active subject and partner. Sherwood's practice highlights the interactions between civilization and wilderness and challenges us to question the prevailing human dominance over the environment.

A central element of her art is magical realism, through which animals and other non-human beings become active agents that expand our usual notions of communication and knowledge. She visualizes encounters with raccoons, foxes, opossums, dogs, or horses, which often live on the fringes of human society, and stages ritualized feedings. These situations give the animals space to express their needs and challenge the supposed control of humans. This is how the Anthropocene is addressed – the epoch in which humans have had a lasting impact on the ecological balance.

There is a narrative and playful dimension to Sherwood's work that is reminiscent of fairytale worlds. Humor and visual beauty merge with critical reflections on ecology, mythology, and ecofeminism. By making such symbolic connections, Sherwood invites us to explore new ways of communicating and knowing – especially beyond binary and patriarchal thought patterns.

Her art is also a plea for harmonious coexistence with the earth and its creatures. She draws on intuitive, magical and traditional practices to sketch out a new kind of culture: one that is characterized by balance and mindfulness and is committed to protecting the environment. In doing so, Sherwood follows the conviction that creating connections to the “more-than-human” world can strengthen our sense of responsibility and care. In this way, art becomes a tool to raise awareness of the interconnectedness of all living things in the ecosystem – and to teach us to be more attentive and respectful of these networks.

In cooperation with π Pi Curatorial Project Space.