Behind the curious mystique of its avian imagery, Christopher Shotola-Hardt’s new exhibition Stanzas opens up a powerful and graceful lexicon of layered themes. Interweaving connected threads of meaning, Shotola-Hardt’s menagerie of bird species engage with environmental crisis and American imperialism while remaining true to the essence their own individual ornithic characters.

 

While many works draw on Shotola-Hardt’s considerable skill in realist painting, to portray his avian subjects, themes of environmental stewardship are expounded on through use of textiles, upcycled trash, and found objects. Shotola-Hardt likewise turns to lithography, photography, sculpture, carving, and gelli prints, as Stanzas embraces the overlapping potential of its multifaceted themes.

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                                          -- Noah Alexander Isaac Stein

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On exhibit in the James Hibbard Gallery at Blackfish Gallery (Portland, OR) September 30 to October 31, 2026.