Enormous Animals and Human Hybrids Interact in Enigmatic Landscapes by Bill Mayer

Art
Illustration

#animals
#art history
#Bill Mayer
#humor
#painting

Enormous Animals and Human Hybrids Interact in Enigmatic Landscapes by Bill Mayer

September 15, 2023

Kate Mothes

“Black Goldfish at the Cliffs.” All images © Bill Mayer, shared with permission

Reimagining European art historical genres with a special affinity for the Romanticists, artist and illustrator Bill Mayer’s wry and moody paintings (previously) merge fantastical figures with vast landscapes. From a haughty crow with insect companions to a giant goldfish overseeing a lone figure on the coast, the artist’s enigmatic scenes highlight hybrid creatures and unexpected relationships.

“The Bird-Woman” is currently part of Beinart Gallery’s Small Works 2023 exhibition, which runs September 16 through October 8 in Melbourne, and Mayer’s work will also be a part of a group show in December with Principle Gallery. Explore more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

“Old Crow”

“Afternoon Tea”

“The Bird-Woman”

“The Black Swan”

“La Caracol”

“Mantis”

“Ringo, the Beatle”

“The Monkey’s Paw”

“When Insects Rule the World (Beetle)”

#animals
#art history
#Bill Mayer
#humor
#painting

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!