Tanya Merrill's 'Land animal, house animal' Explores Animal Consciousness After Motherhood and Relocation
Tanya Merrill's latest exhibition, titled Land animal, house animal, showcases oil-and-graphite paintings that highlight local wildlife as aware beings. This collection is inspired by two significant personal milestones: the birth of her daughter in June and her family's recent move from New York City to upstate New York. In this new setting, Merrill confronts the dominant anthropocentric perspective that places humans above animals. Her artwork includes two paintings of a cat, a curious dairy cow, and the Northern harrier, known for its striking gray, white, and black plumage, which she often sees from her studio. The piece 'Marsh hawk' (2026) reflects regional folk art and John James Audubon’s influence, while 'Horse at night' (2026) is created with oil and graphite on linen. The exhibition is currently displayed at [gallery name not provided in source].
Key facts
- Tanya Merrill's exhibition is titled Land animal, house animal.
- The paintings are made with oil and graphite.
- Merrill gave birth to her daughter in June.
- Her family recently relocated from New York City to upstate New York.
- The exhibition challenges an anthropocentric worldview that deems humans superior and animals lesser.
- Merrill foregrounds local animals as sentient beings with their own motivations and desires.
- The depicted animals include a cat, a dairy cow, and a Northern harrier (marsh hawk).
- The painting 'Marsh hawk' (2026) echoes regional folk art and Audubon.
- The painting 'Horse at night' (2026) is oil and graphite on linen.
Entities
Artists
- Tanya Merrill
- John James Audubon
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- upstate New York