(Banff) The Walter Phillips Gallery at The Banff Centre invites you to explore the complex world of the "post-natural" through Wildlife: a field guide to the post-natural. This exhibition examines a world in which nature is mediated by corporate and economic agendas, technology, science, mass media – in short, Western culture.

Humanity’s influence on nature is evident all around us: from deforestation, sheep cloning, and performance-enhancing drugs to wildlife theme parks and nature videos. Curator Lisa Gabrielle Mark proposes in her exhibition statement that what is generally called "nature" today might be better described as "post-nature."

Mark has structured Wildlife as a field guide to the post-natural world. Among its "sightings" are the textile works of five artists from Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Take a walk on the wild side and experience Lois Andison’s ambient birdscapes; Nina Katchadourian’s mended spider webs; Jake Moore’s robotic moths; Warren Quigley’s caged companions; and Louise Weaver’s crocheted coverings for taxidermy animal forms. Each of the works uses textiles to emphasise the interaction of nature with technology and culture, since textiles are themselves an age-old manifestation of this phenomenon.

The Banff Centre will hold an opening reception for Wildlife Friday, December 7 at 7:00 pm in the Walter Phillips Gallery. All are welcome.

The Walter Phillips Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm. Admission is free.