Teckemeyer to Have Sculpture Exhibited in Des Moines

Jessica Teckemeyer, Clarke University assistant professor of art, has been invited to exhibit her sculpture “Fawn or Foe II” as part of the prestigious Window Dressing project hosted by the Des Moines Art Center. “Fawn or Foe II” will be unveiled at Amour in Des Moines from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.  Inspired by the work in the upcoming major exhibition, Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede, 19 artists have partnered with businesses to create Window Dressings — fabulous window displays throughout Des Moines’ East Village. For more information, visit www.desmoinesartcenter.org/events/art-meets-fashion.aspx. On a recent trip to Paris, Teckemeyer found inspiration in many 18th and 19th century French sculptures depicting mythological heroes adorned with animal fleeces. These artworks relate to an exhibition titled, “Wild: Fashion Untamed” Teckemeyer saw in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum 10 years ago. Since pre-historic times, fur has also served the role to warm and protect humans from the elements. This new sculpture titled “Fawn or Foe II” pairs a whitetail deer disguised with a wolf pelt, the deer’s natural predator. Deer are timid creatures with a plant-based diet, while wolves are aggressive by comparison as they rely solely on animal flesh for survival. This pairing of predator and prey relates to masking one’s character to overcome something or escape.  Teckemeyer is interested in the ways our social, creative and psychological development relates to animals. Human behavior is complex because it is driven by both instinct and cultural influences. Innate instinctual forces are derived from our primal selves, while cultural influences stem from the history, religion, science, media and literature of the place we live. Therefore, humans are domesticated animals. As social creatures, we combat reason versus instinct. Through translating a human experience into the form of an animal, we look at ourselves from another viewpoint. The work embodies a symbolic language, in which Teckemeyer explores themes including inner confrontation, spirituality, vulnerability and death.  Teckemeyer maintains an active studio practice. She earned her master of fine arts degree from the University of Minnesota in May 2010.  For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.