An exhibit of 8 bronze works displayed outside the Cathedral, adjacent to the west front. Inspired by Camille Saint-Saens “Carnival of the Animals”, artist Bjørn Skaarup crafted these pieces to exude a cheerful wit and whimsy that underscore the lighter side of human association with the animal kingdom. The animals represent human allegories based on their physical and spiritual traits, drawing on art history and poetry. The use of animals and especially the sense of whimsy both resonate strongly with existing imagery found both in the Cathedral’s fabric and in the longstanding traditions of cathedral imagery.

On November 9, Notables gathered at the Cavalier Art Gallery New York for a members-only artist reception. The evening celebrated Bjørn Okholm Skaarup: Carnival of the Animals, the artist’s first solo American museum exhibition on display at the Bruce Museum. The evening was capped by a trio of Ensemble ACJW musicians who performed a tribute to the animal-themed art in the gallery, with special arrangements created for this event.  This event was made possible by the generosity of Notables Committee member Matthew Holtzman, Patrick Monahan, and the Cavalier Gallery New York.

Bjørn Okholm Skaarup: Carnival of the Animals

On exhibition at the Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT - October 31, 2015 - January 3, 2016

Watch this video trailer promotion for Skaarup's First American Museum Show!

Bjørn Okholm Skaarup: Carnival of the Animals at the Bruce Museum

This video trailer to promote the Bruce Museum exhibition, is edited from Mads Fjeldsoe Christensen film on Danish sculptor, Bjørn Okholm Skaarup.

Carnival of the Animals is Danish sculptor Bjørn Okholm Skaarup’s first American museum exhibition, presenting a contemporary bestiary in bronze. Each of the twenty animal sculptures on view offers a whimsical story or allegory to decipher, inspired by ancient fables, art history, or modern animation. brucemuseum.org