Read this Wildlife Art Journal article

By Cliff Eyland

Has wildlife art truly arrived?

Or, are artists still stuck dwelling in the past, victimized by their own defeatist attitudes?

I believe the answer to both questions is “yes”.

Before wildlife art can claim title to a place of authority and meaning in the 21st century, I believe it must show the conviction that it deserves to be treated with seriousness.

A decade and a half ago when most of us were visualizing the world differently than we do today, I wrote an essay that I would like to revisit.  It is my hope that it will incite a response.  I want wildlife artists to fight for their own voice.

In the autumn of 1996, Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in Winnipeg hosted a symposium titled "The Unpeacable Kingdom" that examined a growing controversy in Canada, the United States and Europe over the “legitimacy” of wildlife art. 

My essay was a response to that event and it was published in the magazine, Border Crossings.

I asked: What do wildlife artists want?

Answer: Art world recognition.

Why does the art world resist?

Answer: Most wildlife art is not intellectually engaging.
 


I believe it is still the case today and yet many more wildlife artists now, as opposed to then, are trying to make a statement with their work, through artistry, the desire to be fresh and original, and the conviction that wildlife...