The artistic-duo presents a multi-channel immersive animation at the Momentary
The new animated work is opening at the Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas, Saturday, November 18, 2023 as part of the “ENDURING AMAZON: LIFE AND AFTERLIFE IN THE RAINFOREST” group exhibition through April 14, 2024.
“Prophecy of the Butterflies” features the Amazon-native Blue Morpho butterfly with reference to the 19th-century Amazonian field research of Martin Johnson Heade—especially his iconic Blue Morpho Butterfly Portrait.
Saylor/Morris share the inspiration behind the new work, "After spending time in the Amazonian rainforest, we came to see butterflies as the most visible emblem of the rainforest’s biodiversity. Walking through the forest suddenly one flash of color and then another catches the eye and disappears into the foliage. On one level, "A Prophecy of Butterflies," both celebrates this biodiversity and warns of its impending loss due to climate change and destruction of habitat."
Outside, in the Momentary’s Courtyard, Sayler/Morris will project their 2014 work “Eclipse,” bringing the conversation about climate change and despeciation closer to home by drawing parallels between the Amazon’s current wave of extinction and the loss of the North American Passenger Pigeon, which once lived in such abundance in our region that they could blacken the sky during their annual migration.
Opening Reception: November 18, from 7-9pm at the Momentary
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