Taxidermy galore: in the studio with Lishan Chang. (Photos by C-M.)
A couple of weeks back I attended an open studio that chashama hosted at their new studio spaces in Jamaica, Queens. My favorite of the bunch — hands down — was the former dentist’s office that has been reborn as a taxidermy studio for artist Lishan Chang. Chang, whose past installations have involved everything from plastic wrap to burnt bread, is now hard at work on a series in which he catalogues, taxidermies and displays road kill.
Though the project is still underway, he currently has a fine selection of squirrels, raccoons, hawks, geese and cats that have all been harvested from area roads. Prior to the project, Chang had little experience with taxidermy. But after a short introductory course and a few how-to YouTube videos, he has become a prolific stuffer of unfortunate animals. It’s an interesting way of honoring the creatures we thoughtlessly mow down with our cars. Can’t wait to see the full-blown install when it’s done.
Click on images to supersize.
Chang Google maps all of his finds.
A squirrel.
In the studio.
A hawk.
I saw his work, and it is not to be missed. Once you get past the “road kill” component, something he uses as a vessel to express more complex ideas; once you meet the artist, you will find a TREMENDOUS amount of sensitivity and humility in the work. In fact, it is quite overwhemling, like an opera. It is beautiful.