Drawing inspiration from the Greek myth of Erysichthon, the series delves into the choices we face: to safeguard and cherish nature or succumb to the temptations of privilege.
In "Dryads," I portray the story's essence through the vigilant presence of two Golden Langur monkeys, known as elusive beings who go to great lengths to avoid human interaction. They emerge as protectors, guarding their lush surroundings that envelop them. This painting serves as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between humanity and nature, urging us to be the guardians rather than the exploiters.
Contrastingly, in the piece titled "Intrusive Thoughts," a Papillon dog meets the viewer's gaze with unapologetic apathy as it desecrates a vase of flowers-an audacious act against nature, symbolizing the reckless assertion of privilege. Set within a domestic realm, the composition acknowledges human intervention, featuring a purebred dog on a tablecloth and a vase of cut flowers. Here, nature is disrupted from its natural order, reflecting the consequences of indulgence and exploitation. "Hounds" amplifies this theme, featuring regal greyhounds surrounded by opulence but devoid of nature, emphasizing the loss of natural essence in privileged environments.
In "Pinch," there are more direct nods to the fate of Erysichthon. A grotesque display as a multitude of lobsters vie for space on a serving platter, almost merging into a chaotic mass. A snake devouring its own tail serves as a metaphor, highlighting the consequences of insatiable greed and the cyclical nature of destruction.
SABRINA BOCKLER (b. 1987) currently lives and works in New York. Bockler graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2011.
Solo exhibitions include: Menagerie, BEERS London, London (2023). Forthcoming solo exhibitions to be held at Duran|Mashaal, Montreal, Canada (2023); Hashimoto Contemporary, New York (2024) and; Richard Heller Gallery, LA (2025).
Group exhibitions include: Ephemeral Pleasures, Richard Heller Gallery, LA (2023); For the Love of Dog, curated by Dasha Matsuura. Hashimoto Contemporary, LA (2023); Potluck, Hashimoto Contemporary, LA (2023); Chronicle 5, Galerie Droste, Düsseldorf, Germany (2022); À La Carte, Tchotchke Gallery, New York (2022); Summer in the City, Hashimoto Contemporary, Los Angeles (2022); Vessel, Hashimoto Contemporary, Los Angeles (2022); Potluck (curated by Dasha Matsuura), Hashimoto Contemporary, Los Angeles (2022); Quiet Fire, Far by Wide, New York City (2021); New Year/New Work The Clark Gallery, Boston (2021); Wünder Womxn: The Female Figurative, BEERS London, London (2021); By Yourself With Everyone, Good Mother Gallery, Los Angeles (2020) and; The Velvet Ropes, Patrick Parrish Gallery, New York City (2018); Soft Animal, Field Projects, New York (2017).
Fairs include: Holiday Market (curated by Andrew Salgado), Future Fair (online, 2021); Art Miami, Clark Gallery, Miami (2021) and; Hamptons Art Fair, Clark Gallery, Hamptons NY (2021).