The USC Fisher Museum of Art is pleased to showcase a solo exhibition of artist Cynthia Minet, based in Los Angeles. This body of work presented under the title 'Beast of Burden' features illuminated, life-size, mixed media sculptures of domesticated animals from the series 'Unsustainable Creatures.' The exhibition draws uponthe artist's ongoing reflection on the complicated relationships anddependence humans have with the world we inhabit, and continuedinterest in scientific and ecological issues. It also emphasizesMinet’s investigation of materials, and her aesthetics in successfullytransforming found and repurposed plastic materials into visuallycompelling mixed media sculptures.
The term 'Beast of Burden' usually refers to an animal, such as an oxor an elephant, used for transporting loads or doing other heavy work.
It also pertains to any domesticated animal trained to perform tasksfor humans, such as trained falcons (used for hunting, to keep otherbirds’ populations in check, or safeguard crops as an alternativemethod to using chemicals harmful for the environment).
Minet’s singular and visually commanding take on this notion focuses on the burden that consumerism and disposable culture places on the natural world, and the need for sustainable resources.
Ariadni Liokatis, Curator
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