TLDR:
- Porky Hefer’s solo exhibition “no bats, no chocolate” at Galerie56 showcases playful sculptures inspired by animal behaviors.
- The sculptures are handmade using locally sourced materials and celebrate the planet through animals with “weird talents.”
Porky Hefer’s exhibit “no bats, no chocolate” at Galerie56 in New York features nine new sculptures inspired by animal behaviors, organic forms, and ecosystems. Hefer, known for his focus on nature, hand-fabricates human-size nests and sculptures using indigenous South African materials in collaboration with fellow studios. The exhibit aims to evoke a greater reverence for nature while appealing to the childlike wonder in all of us.
The sculptures, such as the nearly 6-foot-tall Warren and the beetle My first beetle, showcase animals with unique talents that benefit the planet. The title of the exhibition comes from the fact that bats play a crucial role in pollinating many plants, including cacao.
Hefer’s work at Galerie56 follows in the footsteps of other celebrated artists exhibited at the gallery, such as Eileen Gray and Gaetano Pesce. The exhibition space, located at the base of Herzog & De Meuron’s 56 Leonard tower, serves as a cultural intersection of art and architecture in Manhattan.
Overall, Porky Hefer’s playful sculptures at Galerie56 invite viewers to reflect on the wonders of nature and the unique talents of animals that contribute to the wellbeing of our planet.
